The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) is urging people to buy locally produced food from outlets in the province, to try and safeguard the industry's future.

More than 60,000 people are said to be employed in the agricultural sector, but the UFU is warning that jobs could be at risk because the industry is "on its knees".

UFU President Will Taylor explains why consumers should buy NI produce

President Will Taylor says in the past local goods have not been given enough space on supermarket shelves.

But he claims the situation is set to change with this link-up in the promotion of Northern Ireland food.

"Supermarkets and ourselves have come together to join up the supply chain and to give more shelf space to Northern Ireland produce," he said.

This is the first time the UFU has teamed up with all the major chain stores to promote local agricultural produce on such a scale.

But Joe McDonald of the UFU stresses it is not a case of rich farmers crying poverty.

Joe McDonald: "Industry is on its knees"

He said: "Agriculture is the largest single industry in the province.

"It employs over 60,000 people but the industry is absolutely on its knees at present.

"We believe now in self help for the industry and we're trying to convince local consumers to buy local produce."

The UFU says farming incomes have fallen by 75% in the last two years.

Jobs have been lost in the production and processing parts of the agriculture industry.