Farmers oppose land tax proposal

A tax on agricultural land is being considered, Declan O'Loan says

The Ulster Farmers Union has said it would be "completely opposed" to the introduction of a tax on agricultural land in Northern Ireland.

SDLP assembly member Declan O'Loan said he learned the Department of Finance is considering the move after he submitted a written question on the issue.

UFU president Kenneth Sharkey said farmers would be put at a disadvantage.

He said the union had contacted the Department of Finance and Personnel to make its views known.

"This can only be described as a very crude proposal to raise more money for the Northern Ireland government and it is an idea that we would be completely opposed to.

"Northern Ireland needs a fair rating system and it would be completely unfair to single out farmers and land owners in an attempt to raise more finances.

"This policy is not in place in Great Britain or the Republic of Ireland," Mr Sharkey said.

Mr O'Loan said it would be of great concern to rural communities.

"This is no small thing - it would be huge and be seen as a very, very threatening issue by the agricultural and rural sector," Mr O'Loan said.

"I think that might not be full appreciated by those who live in city and urban environments."