Agri-Food Strategy progress report published

The progress report titled ‘Delivering Growth’ sets out the significant progress that has been made against the 118 recommendations agreed by government and industry to support the long term growth of Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Tony O’Neill, chair of the Agri-Food Strategy Board said: “In Going for Growth, the Agri-Food Strategy Board presented a vision of an integrated supply chain focussed on meeting the needs of the market. We made recommendations to change the structure and behaviour within the sector to deliver this vision – and its associated targets. Such fundamental change does not happen overnight, and although there is still much to be done, this progress report outlines significant actions taken by government and industry.”

He continued: “Vital to the future of the industry is a strategic marketing body to sell our quality food and drink and a sustainable primary production base. Steps are in place to establish a marketing organisation for the sector and the Farm Business Improvement Scheme developed as part of the Rural Development Programme will provide support for training and skills development, innovation, co-operation and capital investment to further the primary production sector.

“We are pleased with the progress that has been made so far which we believe will contribute to the industry reaching the targets we have set. We will continue to work with all parts of the industry to encourage enhanced collaboration within the agri-food supply chain, which is fundamental to the sustainable development of the sector,” he concluded.

Key achievements highlighted in the progress report include the establishment of the Agri-Food Quest Competence Centre, a dedicated industry centre for research and development; the launch of the Sustainable Utilization of Poultry Litter (SUPL) project to facilitate innovative industry solutions for waste management, and securing access to 49 new export markets.