Menu
16/03/2022
Concern Over War In Ukraine Impact On NI Food Supply
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has raised concerns of the potential impact of the ongoing war on Ukraine on NI's agri-food industry with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice MP.
The Minister said: "I have said before that here in Northern Ireland, one of most valuable assets is our agri-food industry and as well as providing employment, it contributes over £5 billion to the Northern Ireland economy.
"Given recent developments in Ukraine, I have written to the Rt Hon George Eustice, MP to reiterate to him the enormous pressure the agri-food industry is experiencing with regards to supply chain issues.
"Sectors along the entire the food supply chain in Northern Ireland have contacted me highlighting serious concerns over the unprecedented rise in input costs, the lack availability of fertilizer and maize and the rising fuel costs as prime examples. Compounding this, we are still dealing with the labour shortage crisis, especially in the pork sector."
In the letter, Minister Poots asked Mr Eustice to consider a range of measures to alleviate pressures including ensuring inputs for agriculture production (primary and processing) are prioritised as far as possible, a reduction in excise duty, exploring a limited suspension of the road transport fuel obligation and urgent engagement with the supermarkets to ensure UK farmers are supported through this crisis.
The Minister continued: "I also stressed to Mr Eustice that the ability to grow food in Northern Ireland is being impeded by the inability to import soil based seeds from other Regions of the UK and I would welcome a relaxing of current restrictions to allow the free movement of these goods."
The Minister has asked Mr Eustice to meet with him to discuss his concerns and to discuss potential mitigations to support the continued movement of agri-food goods in Northern Ireland.
The Minster concluded: "My Department continues to support the promotion of our quality local food through the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme and supports co-operation initiatives between local producers through the Agri-food Cooperation Scheme.
"Everyone of us can play our part in helping alleviate pressure on the agri-food industry and this can simply be done by reducing our food waste. We all buy too much food at times, some of which will end up in the recycling. So by reducing the amount of food we waste we can all contribute and help the planet at the same time."
The Minister said: "I have said before that here in Northern Ireland, one of most valuable assets is our agri-food industry and as well as providing employment, it contributes over £5 billion to the Northern Ireland economy.
"Given recent developments in Ukraine, I have written to the Rt Hon George Eustice, MP to reiterate to him the enormous pressure the agri-food industry is experiencing with regards to supply chain issues.
"Sectors along the entire the food supply chain in Northern Ireland have contacted me highlighting serious concerns over the unprecedented rise in input costs, the lack availability of fertilizer and maize and the rising fuel costs as prime examples. Compounding this, we are still dealing with the labour shortage crisis, especially in the pork sector."
In the letter, Minister Poots asked Mr Eustice to consider a range of measures to alleviate pressures including ensuring inputs for agriculture production (primary and processing) are prioritised as far as possible, a reduction in excise duty, exploring a limited suspension of the road transport fuel obligation and urgent engagement with the supermarkets to ensure UK farmers are supported through this crisis.
The Minister continued: "I also stressed to Mr Eustice that the ability to grow food in Northern Ireland is being impeded by the inability to import soil based seeds from other Regions of the UK and I would welcome a relaxing of current restrictions to allow the free movement of these goods."
The Minister has asked Mr Eustice to meet with him to discuss his concerns and to discuss potential mitigations to support the continued movement of agri-food goods in Northern Ireland.
The Minster concluded: "My Department continues to support the promotion of our quality local food through the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme and supports co-operation initiatives between local producers through the Agri-food Cooperation Scheme.
"Everyone of us can play our part in helping alleviate pressure on the agri-food industry and this can simply be done by reducing our food waste. We all buy too much food at times, some of which will end up in the recycling. So by reducing the amount of food we waste we can all contribute and help the planet at the same time."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 December 2013
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
22 May 2012
Northern Ireland Consumers Vote with Wallets as Food Prices Rise
Most consumers in Northern Ireland are changing their shopping habits to battle the rising price of groceries. A survey run by the Consumer Council found that nine out of ten people here are concerned about the spiralling cost of their household bills.
Northern Ireland Consumers Vote with Wallets as Food Prices Rise
Most consumers in Northern Ireland are changing their shopping habits to battle the rising price of groceries. A survey run by the Consumer Council found that nine out of ten people here are concerned about the spiralling cost of their household bills.
01 November 2002
Northern Ireland food culture guide serves the best
A new food guide for Northern Ireland, aimed to serve up the best from the Province's rich food culture, has been launched in Belfast.
Northern Ireland food culture guide serves the best
A new food guide for Northern Ireland, aimed to serve up the best from the Province's rich food culture, has been launched in Belfast.
14 June 2004
Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
08 July 2005
Agri-food sector must move with times
The agri-food sector in Northern Ireland must keep up with changes in both the local and global food markets, a visiting US expert has said.
Agri-food sector must move with times
The agri-food sector in Northern Ireland must keep up with changes in both the local and global food markets, a visiting US expert has said.
-
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.
