14/07/2015
Ministers Discuss Progress On Agri-Food Sector
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill and Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell recently met with the Agri-Food Strategy Board to discuss progress on delivery of the strategic action plan for the agri-food sector, 'Going for Growth'.
Minister O'Neill said: "There is no doubt the agri-food sector plays a very significant role in our economy. Therefore growing the sector is a key priority of mine, with a keen focus on improving our competitiveness through a sustainable, primary production base.
"We have had a very positive meeting with the Agri-Food Strategy Board and as government and industry share responsibility for implementation of the Going for Growth project, it was timely to take stock of progress made so far and plan for future action.
"In addition to updating the Board on key DARD actions, I outlined my view of the Board’s role in driving forward the industry-led actions, with a particular focus on developing sustainable integrated supply chains. With significant export-led targets for the sector, the need for a sustainable, competitive primary production base is more important than ever and I believe that the AFSB has a key role in achieving this.
"The Board will also continue to provide advice to DARD as we finalise key schemes to support competitiveness in the industry through the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, particularly our proposals for a Farm Business Improvement Scheme."
Minister O'Neill said: "There is no doubt the agri-food sector plays a very significant role in our economy. Therefore growing the sector is a key priority of mine, with a keen focus on improving our competitiveness through a sustainable, primary production base.
"We have had a very positive meeting with the Agri-Food Strategy Board and as government and industry share responsibility for implementation of the Going for Growth project, it was timely to take stock of progress made so far and plan for future action.
"In addition to updating the Board on key DARD actions, I outlined my view of the Board’s role in driving forward the industry-led actions, with a particular focus on developing sustainable integrated supply chains. With significant export-led targets for the sector, the need for a sustainable, competitive primary production base is more important than ever and I believe that the AFSB has a key role in achieving this.
"The Board will also continue to provide advice to DARD as we finalise key schemes to support competitiveness in the industry through the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, particularly our proposals for a Farm Business Improvement Scheme."
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2012
Ministers Push For Agri-Food Strategy Board Members
People have been reminded that they have just a few days left to submit applications to become a member of the new Agri-Food Strategy Board. The Board will be made of up both industry and senior Government officials and its purpose is to develop a strategic plan for the agri-food sector up to 2020.
Ministers Push For Agri-Food Strategy Board Members
People have been reminded that they have just a few days left to submit applications to become a member of the new Agri-Food Strategy Board. The Board will be made of up both industry and senior Government officials and its purpose is to develop a strategic plan for the agri-food sector up to 2020.
23 March 2012
O'Neill Meets With Chief Executive Of Bord Bia
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today met with the Chief Executive of Bord Bia to discuss matters of mutual interest.
O'Neill Meets With Chief Executive Of Bord Bia
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today met with the Chief Executive of Bord Bia to discuss matters of mutual interest.
15 April 2016
NICEI Report Finds Slight Increase In NI Economy
The economy in Northern Ireland grew by 0.9% in the last quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The number was revealed in the latest NI Composite Economic Index (NICEI), which was published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
NICEI Report Finds Slight Increase In NI Economy
The economy in Northern Ireland grew by 0.9% in the last quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The number was revealed in the latest NI Composite Economic Index (NICEI), which was published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
15 April 2013
NI Firms More Optimistic On Job Creation Over The Next Year
The Barclays Job Creation Survey 2013, which questioned over 700 UK businesses, has revealed that Northern Ireland business executives have a growing optimism around private sector job growth in 2013.
NI Firms More Optimistic On Job Creation Over The Next Year
The Barclays Job Creation Survey 2013, which questioned over 700 UK businesses, has revealed that Northern Ireland business executives have a growing optimism around private sector job growth in 2013.
08 December 2010
Construction Recovery Stalled Until 2013
The recovery in construction output experienced by the industry during much of 2010 will stall in 2011 according to the latest forecasts from the Construction Products Association (CPA). Industry output is expected to decline by 2% in 2011 compared with 2010, with a further fall anticipated in 2012.
Construction Recovery Stalled Until 2013
The recovery in construction output experienced by the industry during much of 2010 will stall in 2011 according to the latest forecasts from the Construction Products Association (CPA). Industry output is expected to decline by 2% in 2011 compared with 2010, with a further fall anticipated in 2012.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.