Ulster Unionist Party MLA Diana Armstrong has criticised the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for failing to provide immediate support to farmers whose land was damaged during unprecedented flooding in Northern Ireland.

Armstrong expressed disappointment at the minister's response that no such support is available.

She stated that farmers endured weeks of devastation, including submerged fields, destroyed land, and debris scattered across farms already struggling due to rising costs.

The MLA argued that offers of longer-term planning provide little comfort to those facing immediate hardship, and that the minister's focus on schemes like the Sustainable Agriculture Programme does not address practical needs.

Armstrong highlighted an imbalance, noting that farmers have complied with new environmental measures and red tape, such as tree planting and biosecurity, but receive no reciprocal support during crises.

She called for decisive responses to crises with meaningful short-term assistance rather than future promises of resilience.

The UUP will continue to press DAERA to bring forward urgent, practical support for affected farmers.