Lockhart welcomes Poots support for agricultural shows

Carla Lockhart MP • April 4, 2022

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA for providing £200,000 of support for local agricultural shows. The Minister announced the “Bounce Back” funding to help shows recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Carla Lockhart said:


“I have been working alongside representatives of local agricultural shows to press home the need for some form of financial support, following two years of detestation to these much loved community events.


Therefore I am delighted with the announcement from my colleague Edwin Poots MLA that he is bringing £200,000 of funding to the table to assist shows to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many shows have not been held for two years, but costs have continued. That has made restarting these events difficult, with cash reserves long gone. This funding will enable organisers to press ahead with plans for 2022.


I know I am looking forward to visiting these agricultural shows this summer. They are showcase events for our agri-food industry and a great chance for town and country to meet in support of our agricultural heritage. It will be great to have them back!”

Share

DAERA must deliver ‘goodwill’ to farms impacted by bluetongue restrictions

By Carla Lockhart • December 12, 2025
As we enter the festive season, DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging DAERA to deliver much-needed ‘goodwill’ to the herd and flock owners who are marooned as a result of the two Bluetongue control zones in County Down.

MP welcomes re-opening of essential GB export markets

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 9, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed DAERA’s announcement that some live animal exports from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, for slaughter, markets, breeding and production, are allowed to resume.

MP liaises with NI’s chief vet over unfolding BTV-3 concerns

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 7, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, is continuing to monitor the unfolding Bluetongue situation in Northern Ireland, describing it as a serious challenge for the farming industry.

MP expresses disappointment at Westminster’s farm taxation vote

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has expressed deep disappointment at the outcome of this week’s House of Commons vote on the Finance Bill’s Resolution 50, specifically the proposed measures affecting family farm taxation.

Chancellor’s budget deeply damaging and offers presentation rather than substance

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 4, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has described the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget as “deeply damaging”.

Government remains tone deaf on veterinary medicine concerns

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
The DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the government of “dragging its heels” and being “tone deaf” to the concerns of vets and the wider agri-food industry around the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland in the New Year.

MP expresses concern as BTV-3 crisis deepens

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has expressed deep concern following confirmation from DAERA that an additional 44 suspected cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) have been uncovered during tests on a County Down farm.

Carla Lockhart MP welcomes major progress for bereaved parents as Baby Loss Certificate Scheme moves forward

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the progress made this week at Stormont on the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates, bringing long-awaited recognition and comfort to families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks.

Carla Lockhart MP Praises Outstanding Community Generosity During Tesco Food Collection

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended local residents for their “unreal generosity” following visits to Tesco Banbridge and Tesco Craigavon for the Big Food Collection supporting Via Wings and the local Craigavon Food Bank.

MP urges vigilance as Bluetongue disease is confirmed in NI cattle

By Carla Lockhart MP • December 1, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging farmers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant, following confirmation that Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been detected in two cows originating from a herd in Bangor, County Down.