Local agri-food needs science to compete in global markets
Date published:
Science will play a central role in shaping the future of Northern Ireland’s livestock farming, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Permanent Secretary Noel Lavery, has told a major local science conference.
Speaking at the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute’s (AFBI) ‘Shaping Livestock Farming for 2030’ event he told delegates that unprecedented change is ahead for the local agri-food industry with Article 50 being triggered, and the challenge of meeting increasing global demands for safe, wholesome and sustainably produced food.
Mr Lavery said: “It is more important than ever that my Department and AFBI, together with industry and wider stakeholders, work collectively to address the challenges ahead and realise the new opportunities this change will create to develop a sustainable and profitable industry.
“Our agri-food sector will continue to depend on the knowledge, skills and creativity of our local scientists when competing on a global scale. The need to improve production efficiency, resilience and animal health and welfare will inevitably need science-led solutions.”
He also stressed the continuing role scientists will play in education, monitoring and regulation to achieve environmental outcomes and also in facilitation of international trade.
“Our long-term aim for agriculture and the agri-food industry here is to promote a sustainable, competitive, high-performing, knowledge-based sector that is prosperous and compliant,” Mr Lavery added.
He concluded by acknowledging the high quality science provision by AFBI and its crucial role in strengthening the evidence base for policy development, meeting the Department’s broad range of statutory-driven analytical testing work requirements, and emergency response needs.
Notes to editors:
- AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.
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