Robbie Butler MLA urges balanced approach to climate action in support of Northern Ireland’s farmers

Robbie Butler MLA, the Ulster Unionist spokesperson for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, has outlined his key priorities in ongoing discussions about climate change and the agencies tasked with addressing the crisis.

Speaking ahead of critical talks, Mr Butler emphasised the urgent need for decisive action on environmental challenges but cautioned that such measures must not undermine Northern Ireland’s farming community, a cornerstone of the region’s economy and identity.

“The climate crisis demands bold but codesigned action, and it is essential that these actions do not burden our farmers who are not only vital to our economy but also play an essential role in feeding our communities and shaping our landscapes,” Mr Butler said.

“I stand with our farmers, now and always, and I believe that by working together, we can create meaningful solutions that protect both our environment and our agricultural livelihoods. Farmers want to be green, but they can’t be green if they are in the red.”

The recent establishment of a Climate Commissioner’s office has sparked debate among some politicians, with concerns raised about its potential impact on the agricultural sector. However, the Lagan Valley MLA was quick to dispel fears that the initiative is intended to pit climate goals against farming interests.

Instead, he framed it as an opportunity to drive innovation and collaboration, ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and rural communities.

“Farmers are not the enemy of the environment,” Mr Butler asserted. “In fact, they are often the unsung stewards of our land and have long been at the forefront of sustainable farming practices. The goal of these changes cannot be to impose unnecessary restrictions on farmers, but to encourage and support practices that help mitigate the effects of climate change whilst ensuring that farmers continue to thrive and provide for generations to come.”

Mr Butler’s comments come at a time when Northern Ireland’s farmers are grappling with rising costs, shrinking profit margins, and long-term uncertainties—challenges he pledged to keep at the forefront of upcoming climate discussions.

Reaffirming his unwavering support for the sector, he stressed that protecting agriculture and tackling climate change are not mutually exclusive objectives.

“It is absolutely possible to address the climate crisis and protect our farming communities simultaneously,” he said. “There does not have to be a choice between tackling climate change and supporting farmers. We must find ways to do both, in a way that recognises the realities of farming, particularly in the current challenging climate of high costs and decreasing margins and long-term insecurities.”

The Ulster Unionist MLA’s stance reflects a broader call for a pragmatic, inclusive approach to environmental policy—one that acknowledges the vital role farmers play in Northern Ireland’s economy and society.

As discussions around the Climate Commissioner’s remit and climate strategies progress, Mr Butler has vowed to ensure that the voices of farmers are heard and their livelihoods safeguarded.

With the agricultural sector facing unprecedented pressures, from economic strains to the demands of adapting to a greener future, Mr Butler’s intervention underscores the need for a balanced framework. His commitment to fostering cooperation between environmentalists and farmers could set the tone for a more unified response to the climate crisis, one that secures the prosperity of both the land and those who tend it.