Press release

Guilty plea by former President of the Ulster Farmers' Union: It must not pay to pollute

27 October 2011

Following  today's guilty plea at Downpatrick's Crown Court by the former President of the Ulster Farmers' Union for illegal dumping, Friends of the Earth wants to see better enforcement of environmental crime. The group is campaigning for an independent Environmental Protection Agency [1] and has been concerned for many years that the investigation and processing of environmental crime is weak and that sentencing is inadequate.

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Declan Allison said:

"This is yet another serious case of healthy and productive farmland being destroyed through illegal dumping and pollution. Let's now see if the punishment matches the crime. We have seen time and time again that illegal dumpers and polluters get off with meaningless fines. This is a serious crime and the courts must send out a strong signal that it does not pay to pollute."

"As President of the Ulster Farmers' Union Graham Furey opposed an Environmental Protection Agency which would have clamped down on this type of illegal dumping and pollution. Most farmers respect the environment and they are paid to comply with environmental law [2] but when serious breaches occur they must be held to account when they wreck the environment. This sentence must deter others from repeating this type of offence."

He added:

"It's time for the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development to review the generous payments made to polluting farmers. To reward good practice, they must withdraw Single Farm Payments when farmers are found guilty of non compliance."

Notes

1. The Minister for the Environment announced a discussion paper on environmental governance in August including options for an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Consultation responses showed an overwhelming response (83%) from the public on the need for an EPA.

2. Farming is the only business sector which is paid to comply with environmental law. The former President of the UFU has received over £500,000 in farm subsidy over the last ten years for cross compliance measures which include protecting the environment.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust