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29/07/2016
NI Food And Drinks Sector Continues To Grow
New figures from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have highlighted the continued growth of the local food and drinks processing sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Michelle McIlveen said: "The food and drinks processing sector figures released indicate continuing growth in the industry and that is welcome. As would be expected given the difficulties in key agri-food commodity markets, the rate of growth was lower than in previous years. However, this industry has shown resilience and entrepreneurship in the face of these challenges and continues to make a very important contribution to the wider manufacturing sector and regional economy."
Minister McIlveen added: "The food sector has been, and continues to be, a real force within our economy and has potential for further growth. I will work closely with the Economy Minister and with the industry itself on our key priorities to deliver growth for the agri-food sector and benefits to the wider economy.
The Minister said the department is working hard to facilitate the export growth of the food sector.
She concluded: "We are all aware of the challenges facing the agri-food sector at the moment and especially the financial difficulties that farmers are experiencing. In my recent meetings in Brussels with Commissioner Hogan and Defra Minister George Eustice, I highlighted the unique and extreme market conditions affecting the sector here and I will continue to press London and Europe for effective support for our hard-pressed farmers. I have committed to issuing 70% advance payments from 16 October this year and to ensuring that 95% of the basic payment is paid by the end of the year. My Department will continue to work to build the resilience and competitiveness of the sector through a range of support, including education, training and research. We are also providing support through the new Rural Development Programme to help build a strong and resilient industry that can deal with challenges and take advantage of the opportunities going forward."
(MH/CD)
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Michelle McIlveen said: "The food and drinks processing sector figures released indicate continuing growth in the industry and that is welcome. As would be expected given the difficulties in key agri-food commodity markets, the rate of growth was lower than in previous years. However, this industry has shown resilience and entrepreneurship in the face of these challenges and continues to make a very important contribution to the wider manufacturing sector and regional economy."
Minister McIlveen added: "The food sector has been, and continues to be, a real force within our economy and has potential for further growth. I will work closely with the Economy Minister and with the industry itself on our key priorities to deliver growth for the agri-food sector and benefits to the wider economy.
The Minister said the department is working hard to facilitate the export growth of the food sector.
She concluded: "We are all aware of the challenges facing the agri-food sector at the moment and especially the financial difficulties that farmers are experiencing. In my recent meetings in Brussels with Commissioner Hogan and Defra Minister George Eustice, I highlighted the unique and extreme market conditions affecting the sector here and I will continue to press London and Europe for effective support for our hard-pressed farmers. I have committed to issuing 70% advance payments from 16 October this year and to ensuring that 95% of the basic payment is paid by the end of the year. My Department will continue to work to build the resilience and competitiveness of the sector through a range of support, including education, training and research. We are also providing support through the new Rural Development Programme to help build a strong and resilient industry that can deal with challenges and take advantage of the opportunities going forward."
(MH/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
