Who are the Democratic Unionist Party and what are their views on farming?

The Democratic Unionist Party is the fifth largest party in Westminster and is led by Arlene Foster
The Democratic Unionist Party is the fifth largest party in Westminster and is led by Arlene Foster

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) will be working with the Conservative Party to form a government, following the shock general election which left a hung parliament.

The pro-Union and pro-Brexit party, based in Northern Ireland and led by Arlene Foster, is the fifth largest party in Westminster with 10 seats.

The only way the Conservatives will be able to govern effectively is with DUP support – which will likely take the form of an informal confidence and supply arrangement rather than a formal coalition.

But what are their views on farming and rural matters?

Firstly, the party backs Brexit. However, the party are not keen on a hard Brexit because of the border with the Republic of Ireland.

The movement of goods and access to labour across the Irish border after Brexit are 'key concerns' for farmers on the island of Ireland, according to the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU).

The DUP manifesto says the party wants a "comprehensive free trade and customs agreement with the European Union."

The DUP say they are a 'friend of the farmer and of natural heritage'.

Its manifesto states a wish for local input into new UK agriculture and fisheries policies which can offer sustainability and new growth opportunities.

It pays particular importance to the agri-food sector to Northern Ireland economy, wishing it to be 'recognised and reflected'.

The party wishes for strong protections for the agri-food industry to guard against vulnerabilities to cheap inferior imports.

Lastly, the DUP want an 'appropriate support programme' for Northern Irish farmers after the UK leaves the EU.