“There is no question AFBI’s credibility has been questioned by hard working farmers, and I was pleased this was acknowledged by management during a recent meeting attended by myself and DUP colleagues.
 
“There has been a series of serious allegations connected to AFBI, including whistleblowing concerns about biosecurity, failures in environmental regulations, and animal welfare issues at its Hillsborough farm. The organisation was also embroiled in a significant data breach, and recently reported failures within governance and laboratory practices have been uncovered by the Health and Safety Executive.”
 
The Upper Bann MP added: “The HSE report identified deficiencies in biosafety procedures, concerns around infrastructure and containment facilities, and gaps in the organisation’s ability to demonstrate consistent compliance within required standards.

“Of particular concern, were findings that certain testing procedures, including those relating to Bluetongue virus (BTV-3), were deemed unsafe at the time of inspection.”
 
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson continued: “While I recognise that many of these issues are historic and, in many cases, have already been rigorously addressed, the continued emergence of negative revelations is doing nothing to rebuild trust. Instead, it is undermining employee morale and eroding confidence among farmers, industry stakeholders and the wider public.
 
“While a series of investigations have been carried out independently and thoroughly, it is clear that greater transparency and openness from the outset would have been more in the organisation’s interests. I certainly have not been behind the door in relaying the need for openness, transparency and a degree of humility.
 
“Being upfront and accountable is essential when dealing with matters of such importance to public health, animal welfare, and the agri-food industry.
 
The MP added: “Farmers know the value of AFB, but have expressed frustration and voiced strong concerns, with many accusing DAERA of operating a two-tier system.
 
“This perception is deeply damaging and must be addressed. It dilutes trust in the industry, and the wider regulatory framework that underpins Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry.”
 
Speaking recently in the Stormont chamber, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, referred to a “low severity” water pollution incident on 2nd April at Hillsborough Lake involving milk from the AFBI farm. He confirmed that officials from his department and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) attended the incident and reported “minor visual impact on the lake with no impact on the fish population”.
 
Carla Lockhart said: “Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Minister has admitted to a breach of his department’s regulations. I implore his honesty, but the hard fact is that farmers do not get the luxury of having pollution incidents categorised in that way when enforcement action is taken against them. There are no by-balls for farmers from NIEA. Farmers would inevitably face prosecution.”
 
The MP said she wasn’t surprised at heightening frustrations within the farming fraternity. She said: “Farmers are the backbone of our economy, but they feel increasingly undermined and harassed by government departments. There is a growing perception that enforcement is one-sided, and that standards expected of farmers are not reflected elsewhere.
 
“AFBI plays a critical role in safeguarding animal health, public health, and the integrity of our food supply chain. It is essential that AFBI, and other local government departments, lead by example.”
 
Ms Lockhart concluded: “AFBI must now take decisive, transparent, and verifiable action to demonstrate that the highest standards are being applied consistently across all of its operations and sites.

“Only through openness, accountability, and tangible improvement can confidence be slowly restored. Great work is being carried out at all AFBI sites, good people are working hard to advance farming practices, and we must continue to support them whilst holding the organisation to account for any such failings.”