In his first public appearance since being appointed as Northern Ireland's new Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Lord Rooker has addressed an audience of key stakeholders and industry leaders at the traditional DARD Breakfast at the Balmoral Show.

Acknowledging some of the issues which lie ahead for the industry in Northern Ireland, the Minister said the agri-food sector had a pivotal role and important contribution to make to the Northern Ireland economy.

“Farmers are facing some tough challenges and hard choices, all of which are necessary to ensure that the industry can move forward confidently into the future,” Lord Rooker said.

"I will be examining all the issues which are currently at the top of the agriculture agenda in Northern Ireland, and I look forward to the challenge of helping to ensure that this vibrant industry fulfils its potential to the fullest extent possible."

Highlighting the challenges posed to the industry by the implementation of the Nitrates Directive and the Water Framework Directive, Lord Rooker added: "I will certainly want to work closely with the industry to ensure that we achieve the appropriate implementation required of us by the EU Commission, while balancing the needs of the industry to get on with the business of farming."

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