Careers abound within the NI red meat sector - LMC

“And this potential is set to grow significantly. The red meat sector is a case in point,” he added.

“Agri-food is set to expand further over the coming years. This fact alone will require companies operating within the sector to increase the scope of their employment base.

“But adding to this challenge is the fact that Brexit may make it harder for indigenous businesses to source the competencies they need from abroad. In turn, this will put a greater focus on the need to recruit locally.”

Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry turns over more than £4.5 billion every year.

Ian Stevenson again: “The sector is home to individual businesses generating turnovers in excess of £1 billion per annum. Making this work requires people with skills, qualifications and experience across a wide range of career profiles.

“These include business development, engineering, logistics, product development, innovation, marketing, IT and data analytics. The list goes on.”

The LMC representative specifically highlighted the tremendous career opportunities that now exist within the red meat sector.

He further explained: “Northern Ireland is home to a selection of the EU’s largest beef and lamb processors. All these companies have put in place rewarding development pathways for young people with the widest possible range of skill sets.

“It’s up to teachers and parents to sow the seeds with children, encouraging them to assess the tremendous life-changing opportunities, which Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry can offer.”

Ian is also confident that there are lots of young people out there with the talent and commitment to make a real go of life within agri-food.

He commented:“I recently had the opportunity of attending the 2020 Great Agri-Food Debate in a judging capacity. Hosted by Queen’s University Belfast and sponsored by Dawn Meats, the event provided teams from six of Ireland’s leading third level colleges to debate a range of issues that go to the very heart of the challenges now facing our farming and food sectors. 

“To say that I was impressed with the communication skills demonstrated by all those taking part would be an understatement. It is re-assuring to know that the future of farming and food on this island is in safe hands.”

Ian Stevenson made these comments in the run-up to the ‘Focus on Agri-Food, CAFRE Careers Fare’ taking place on Wednesday, 4th March at the college’s Loughry campus. The aim of the event is to raise the profile of the agri-food industry and to highlight the vast range of careers that are open to students studying at both Loughry and Greenmount.

Ian concluded: “LMC will be represented on the day. As an organisation we play a key role in servicing the needs of the farming and food industry at a number of critically important levels.

“The need for suitably qualified and motivated young people coming into LMC is obvious.”