The government has released new figures highlighting the growth of the local food and drinks processing sector in Northern Ireland.
Bu due to difficulties in key agri-food commodity markets, the rate of growth was lower than in previous years.
The Ulster Farmers' Union welcomed the report, emphasising the importance of the food industry to the local economy, but warned about the slowing growth rate.
The union explained that farmers have been 'losing money for two years.'
UFU president, Barclay Bell said: "We cannot ignore the reality that the farmers who supply the raw materials on which the industry has built its quality image are suffering badly – and in most sectors have been losing money since 2014.
"This is not sustainable – and it is not the foundation we need to have for a successful food industry," said Mr Bell.
Heavy losses in recent years
The largest sectors contributing to the total gross turnover of Northern Ireland food and drink processing industry continue to be beef and lamb, dairy and poultry, which ultimately help to drive the food industry in terms of exports and employment.
Despite the growth of the overall agri-food sector, beef, lamb and dairy farmers have suffered heavy losses in recent years.
Northern Ireland’s pigs, arable and vegetable producers have also fallen victim to dysfunction in the supply chain and low farm gate prices.
"The weakening of the pound in recent weeks will improve the competitive position of the industry and farmers.
"While there are opportunities, Brexit does pose a huge challenge for the entire industry so it will be important that we work together and tackle it with a collective voice.
'Market access is a great challenge'
"Continuing support for farmers is a big issue – but market access is just as great a challenge.
"Without that we will not have markets for our food, and that would disastrous for farmers, processors and the entire Northern Ireland economy," said Mr Bell.
The UFU president underlined that he was not trying to take away from the successes of the food industry, particularly in the year of celebrations for Northern Ireland food and drink.
"As farmers we are immensely proud of what the industry does with the quality raw material that comes off farms.
"But we are realistic enough to know that the food chain can only succeed if everyone in it is profitable.
"That is not the case for farmers now and has not been for some time," said Mr Bell.
