14/05/2025

New Two-Year NI Food Strategy Framework Launched

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir today (Wednesday, 14th May) launched the NI Food Strategy Framework's two-year Action Plan on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The announcement was made at the Food NI breakfast event held at the RUAS Balmoral Show this morning.

Minister Muir stated: "The Food Action Plan is a collective Executive commitment to a fresh approach to food offering a new way forward focused on practical actions that maximise the opportunities our food system offers to benefit health as well as the economy and environment of Northern Ireland."

The Minister had previously published the Executive's Food Strategy Framework last November. This new Action Plan outlines the initial 39 steps to be delivered over the next two years to implement the framework.
News Image
The plan has been developed in collaboration with the Department for Communities, Department for the Economy, Department of Education, Department of Finance, Department of Health, Department of Justice, the Food Standards Agency (FSA NI), and Invest NI. These actions will be delivered by various NI Executive Departments and FSA NI.

"I am delighted to formally launch the first Food Action Plan which outlines the steps we will take over the next two years, underpinned by eight important decision-making principles such as the right to food, sustainability, collaboration & leadership," Minister Muir continued.

"I am excited about the ambition of the Food Strategy Framework and Action Plan and the opportunities to make a real impact. This is an innovative food systems approach built upon the quality food we produce, underpinned by environmental sustainability and linked to wider government strategies and the Programme for Government."

The Food Action Plan is designed to deliver on three key missions:

• Mission One: To use Food to Improve Lifelong Health and Wellbeing.

• Mission Two: To Support Environmentally Sustainable, Safe and Ethical Agri-food Supply Chains.

• Mission Three: To Further Develop Sustainable Economic Prosperity Within the Agri-food Sector.


Latest Northern Ireland News

14 May 2025
Public Urged To 'Take Care In The Sun'
To mark Sun Awareness Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are urging everyone to protect their skin from harmful UV radiation and to regularly check for any signs and symptoms of skin cancer.
14 May 2025
Unique Chance To Make Northern Ireland Work – UUP
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has stated that Northern Ireland has reached a "unique moment" in its history, where every major political party now shares the goal of making the region work.
14 May 2025
Film Sets Get Second Life With Habitat For Humanity
Northern Ireland Screen has announced an innovative partnership with Habitat for Humanity Ireland, encouraging film and television productions to donate surplus materials, props, and furniture at the end of filming.
14 May 2025
New Two-Year NI Food Strategy Framework Launched
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir today (Wednesday, 14th May) launched the NI Food Strategy Framework's two-year Action Plan on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. The announcement was made at the Food NI breakfast event held at the RUAS Balmoral Show this morning.
14 May 2025
Man Extradited From ROI To Face Benefit Fraud Charges In NI
A 54-year-old man has been extradited from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland to face a number of benefit fraud charges. The man was originally arrested in the Republic of Ireland on 07 March 2025. Extradition proceedings were completed today with his return to Northern Ireland.
14 May 2025
Man Dies Following Lisburn Road Traffic Collision
A 22-year-old man from the Belfast area, Gabriel Johnston, has sadly died following a two-vehicle road traffic collision in Lisburn on Tuesday, 6th May, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has reported. The collision, involving a car and a lorry, occurred on Sheepwalk Road shortly after 5 pm.
14 May 2025
Man Arrested In Connection With Murders Of Danny McClean And Jim Donegan
Detectives from the Police Service's Major Investigation Team have arrested a 50-year-old man following the search of a house in north Belfast earlier yesterday, Tuesday 13th May. The man was arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of a man in west Belfast, the murder of Danny McClean, and the murder of Jim Donegan.
14 May 2025
Employer NI Hike Adds £140m To NI Health Department Pressures
The recent increase in National Insurance contributions for employers has added approximately £140 million to the Department of Health's financial pressures this year, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has revealed.
14 May 2025
Effective Crime Prevention In Belfast
As crime remains a concern for homes and businesses, CCTV has proven to be one of the most effective deterrents against theft, vandalism, and other criminal activity. Unified Integrated Systems highlights the importance of surveillance technology in enhancing security and providing peace of mind for property owners.
14 May 2025
Other News In Brief
New Documentary "Titanic: Our Secret Histories" To Air On Channel 4, Exploring Forgotten Stories A new documentary, Titanic: Our Secret Histories, exploring the lesser-known stories of the passengers and crew aboard the RMS Titanic, is set to air on Channel 4 this Saturday, 17th May. The film is co-produced by Tourism Ireland.