Menu
31/07/2015
Report Published On NI Food And Drink Sector
Sales of food and drink in Northern Ireland are continuing to rise according to a new report by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Minister Michelle O'Neill welcomed the publication of the 'Size and Performance of the NI Food and Drinks Processing Sector, Subsector Statistics'.
The Minister said: "Let me start by acknowledging the very real financial difficulties facing the agricultural sector at the moment. Talking to dairy farmers yesterday at Stormont I heard at firsthand about the devastating impact of the downturn in milk prices over the past 12 months. I am also fully aware that a number of other farm sectors are hurting because of global market conditions.
"Turning to the figures published today I’m pleased with the positive figures in this report which indicate that the food and drinks processing sector continued to expand its turnover, employment and exports. Gross turnover grew by 5.8% in 2014."
The Minister continued: "The local food and drinks processing sector has been, and continues to be, a real force within the local manufacturing sector. There is clear potential for further growth in this sector in the longer term, driven particularly by growth in export markets seeking high quality, safe and traceable food. It is therefore all the more important that we find a way through the current downturn in farming.
"Looking to the future, I remain committed to helping implement the agreed actions outlined in the Executive’s response to Going for Growth, so that as much as possible of this potential can be realised for the benefit of the wider economy and farmers in particular.In the meantime, I will work collectively with the industry, the Executive and the Agriculture Committee to improve the present situation for our industry."
The Minister concluded, "I am keen to get our draft Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 approved as quickly as possible so that significant support can be rolled out to the industry to help it develop a solid foundation for a sustainable future."
The full report is available of the DARD website.
Minister Michelle O'Neill welcomed the publication of the 'Size and Performance of the NI Food and Drinks Processing Sector, Subsector Statistics'.
The Minister said: "Let me start by acknowledging the very real financial difficulties facing the agricultural sector at the moment. Talking to dairy farmers yesterday at Stormont I heard at firsthand about the devastating impact of the downturn in milk prices over the past 12 months. I am also fully aware that a number of other farm sectors are hurting because of global market conditions.
"Turning to the figures published today I’m pleased with the positive figures in this report which indicate that the food and drinks processing sector continued to expand its turnover, employment and exports. Gross turnover grew by 5.8% in 2014."
The Minister continued: "The local food and drinks processing sector has been, and continues to be, a real force within the local manufacturing sector. There is clear potential for further growth in this sector in the longer term, driven particularly by growth in export markets seeking high quality, safe and traceable food. It is therefore all the more important that we find a way through the current downturn in farming.
"Looking to the future, I remain committed to helping implement the agreed actions outlined in the Executive’s response to Going for Growth, so that as much as possible of this potential can be realised for the benefit of the wider economy and farmers in particular.In the meantime, I will work collectively with the industry, the Executive and the Agriculture Committee to improve the present situation for our industry."
The Minister concluded, "I am keen to get our draft Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 approved as quickly as possible so that significant support can be rolled out to the industry to help it develop a solid foundation for a sustainable future."
The full report is available of the DARD website.
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2012
Investment Helps Armagh Firm Hatch A Bright Future
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has highlighted the role that the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme (PMG) was playing to help grow the local agri food sector. Under the PMG Scheme, which opens again towards the end of the year, financial support up to £0.
Investment Helps Armagh Firm Hatch A Bright Future
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has highlighted the role that the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme (PMG) was playing to help grow the local agri food sector. Under the PMG Scheme, which opens again towards the end of the year, financial support up to £0.
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.
15 October 2010
Economy Needs Fillip - Not Cut-backs
Stimulating enterprise and trade must be a priority going beyond public sector cuts says banking economists. According to the Northern Bank's Chief Economist Angela McGowan, decision-makers need to bring forward measures for growing the private sector alongside anticapated proposals to slim the public sector.
Economy Needs Fillip - Not Cut-backs
Stimulating enterprise and trade must be a priority going beyond public sector cuts says banking economists. According to the Northern Bank's Chief Economist Angela McGowan, decision-makers need to bring forward measures for growing the private sector alongside anticapated proposals to slim the public sector.
-
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.
