'˜NI poultry sector is key economic agri food driver'

The poultry sector is a key driver for economic growth in Northern Ireland, agri-food Minister Michelle McIlveen said during a visit to Dungannon-based Moy Park, Europe's leading poultry producers.
DAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen visits a Castlecaulfield poultry farm to hear from Moy Park European HR Director Mike Mullan about the work of Europes leading poultry producer and their operating model which involves a close and highly effective working relationship with their poultry farmersDAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen visits a Castlecaulfield poultry farm to hear from Moy Park European HR Director Mike Mullan about the work of Europes leading poultry producer and their operating model which involves a close and highly effective working relationship with their poultry farmers
DAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen visits a Castlecaulfield poultry farm to hear from Moy Park European HR Director Mike Mullan about the work of Europes leading poultry producer and their operating model which involves a close and highly effective working relationship with their poultry farmers

She added: “Poultry producers, and the wider agri-food sector, are important players when it comes to growing our local economy.

“Looking ahead we know the importance of focusing on improving the quality of Northern Ireland agri-food products rather than focusing on simply improving production levels,” Miss McIlveen said as she met with Janet McCollum, Chief Executive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I was very impressed to hear about the company’s recent £25million investment and its operating model which involves a close and highly effective working relationship with their poultry farmers.

“I will continue to work to deliver growth for the sector including support for companies such as Moy Park by exploring new export markets.

“Our recently introduced £12million Sustainable Use of Poultry Litter (SUPL) loan scheme helps develop new sustainable ways to utilise poultry litter and has made good progress thanks to the work of Moy Park in partnership with government,” Minister McIlveen continued.

As well as visiting the factory, the Minister visited nearby farmer Neil Symington who supplies poultry to Moy Park, one of the UK’s top 10 food companies and Northern Ireland’s largest private sector business.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Janet McCollum, Moy Park Chief Executive said she was delighted to welcome DAERA Minister Michelle McIIveen to Moy Park: “As one of Europe’s leading food companies, the visit offered a fantastic opportunity to showcase to the Minister our high standards in agriculture, animal welfare and food safety. Farming is at the heart of our business – we partner with 600 farmers across Northern Ireland, who supply poultry to the highest quality and welfare standards – and we were delighted to have the Minister visit one of our farming partners near Dungannon.”