Ministers announce Independent Strategic Review of NI Agri-Food Sector (ISRAF) report publication

Date published: 26 January 2022

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA and Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA have announced the publication of the Independent Strategic Review of the NI Agri-Food Sector (ISRAF) report.

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The Review, led by Sir Peter Kendall, explored the challenges and opportunities that the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland faces. The Review team met with a wide range of stakeholders throughout 2021 and after considering a considerable body of evidence, produced its findings and established a set of recommendations for both Government and Industry.

Announcing the publication of the report, Minister Poots said: “I very much welcome this review which identifies the strategic priorities for the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland. The report produced by Sir Peter and his team is considered, demands our attention and I believe contains much that the industry will support. Given the many recommendations I want time to consider it fully. In the meantime, I would very much welcome comments and feedback from stakeholders across the industry. 

“I would like to thank Sir Peter and his team for the huge amount of work undertaken in a short timeframe and under the very challenging conditions presented by the COVID related restrictions.”

Minister Lyons commented: “I too welcome Sir Peter’s report and would like to thank him and his team for a very comprehensive Review. I will be considering this report very carefully, and naturally will be paying particular attention to those recommendations which relate to the food-processing sector.

“It will also be important to consider the Review in the context of my Department’s 10X Vision for the NI economy - delivering more innovative, sustainable and inclusive growth over the next decade. I would encourage stakeholders, from across the industry, to come forward with their thoughts and views on the Review recommendations.”

Sir Peter Kendall, Review Lead, said: “This is a game changing moment for Northern Ireland agri food, which demands that our recommendations are worked on by everyone - from food businesses and farmers to knowledge centres, tech entrepreneurs and, critically, environmental champions. I’m not saying it will be easy; re-booting after Brexit, meeting climate change targets and repairing the environment are enormous asks.

“It can be done. The smart use of data can revolutionise the sector’s competitiveness and enable NI agri-food to stand squarely behind a ‘best certified food in the world’ claim.

“Northern Ireland’s agri-food has a unique advantage - your ‘everyone knows everyoneness’. If you can pull together to build multi-functional circular food systems, to challenge traditional processes, to build world beating technology, whilst partnering with Government and the Assembly, you have an exciting future. I want to see an industry that can brag with real authority about its unrivalled provenance.”

Both Departments will now take time to consider the recommendations in the report. Stakeholders are invited to send in their views on the Report to: ISRAF@daera-ni.gov.uk by 23 February 2022.

Download the ISRAF full report and summary report.

Notes to editors: 

  1. The Independent Strategic Review of NI Agri-Food Sector (ISRAF) was a joint commissioned review between Minister Poots and Minister Lyons.
  2. Sir Peter Kendall was previously the President of the National Farmers’ Union for England and Wales from 2006 until 2014 and was Chairman of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) from April 2014 to March 2020. Sir Peter received a Knighthood for his services to the agricultural industry in England and Wales in the Queen’s 2015 New Year’s Honours.
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