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11/05/2006
New Agriculture Minister attends Balmoral Show
The new Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), David Cairns, has today carried out his first engagement under his agricultural and rural development brief.
Mr Cairns attended the Balmoral Show, at the Kings Hall in Belfast, to meet with some of the members from Northern Ireland's farming and rural community.
Speaking at the show, the Minister said: "The Balmoral Show is an excellent early opportunity for me to see farming in all its different dimensions. My priority is to familiarise myself with the all the issues at the top of the agriculture agenda in Northern Ireland and I look forward to meeting our industry partners shortly.
"I want to work with the farming community to help the industry maximise its potential. Farming impacts on us all, whether urban or rural dweller. We all share the legacy and the responsibility of ensuring that the land provides sustainable livelihoods, protected for future generations."
The new Agriculture and Rural Development Minister continued: "Of course, the farming industry is part and parcel of the agri-food sector, an industry which employs over 50,000 people. Helping this sector protect and expand its remit is also part of my role.
"In addition, my department is actively involved in rural development. Rural life encompasses a wide range of issues and topics. Ensuring that people in rural areas have options, in some cases beyond farming is a challenge which I am looking forward to."
David Cairns added that this years Balmoral Show was very positive as it was taking place in the wake of the lifting of the Beef Ban.
"For the first time in a decade, Northern Ireland beef is back on the menu in Europe. Obviously this opens up many opportunities for local farmers. I will work with the farming community in maximising the opportunities for new markets, whilst also ensuring that firm biosecurity arrangements are in place," he said.
He continued by saying that the Show is an excellent opportunity to enable him to see the the best in Northern Ireland's farming and rural economy, but also to allow him to meet with the people who are closely involved in it.
Mr Cairns was joined by former Northern Ireland Farming Minister, Jeff Rooker who was attending the show to wish the rural and farming community well as he handed over his duties to his predecessor.
Lord Rooker is now Minister of State for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
(EF/SP)
Mr Cairns attended the Balmoral Show, at the Kings Hall in Belfast, to meet with some of the members from Northern Ireland's farming and rural community.
Speaking at the show, the Minister said: "The Balmoral Show is an excellent early opportunity for me to see farming in all its different dimensions. My priority is to familiarise myself with the all the issues at the top of the agriculture agenda in Northern Ireland and I look forward to meeting our industry partners shortly.
"I want to work with the farming community to help the industry maximise its potential. Farming impacts on us all, whether urban or rural dweller. We all share the legacy and the responsibility of ensuring that the land provides sustainable livelihoods, protected for future generations."
The new Agriculture and Rural Development Minister continued: "Of course, the farming industry is part and parcel of the agri-food sector, an industry which employs over 50,000 people. Helping this sector protect and expand its remit is also part of my role.
"In addition, my department is actively involved in rural development. Rural life encompasses a wide range of issues and topics. Ensuring that people in rural areas have options, in some cases beyond farming is a challenge which I am looking forward to."
David Cairns added that this years Balmoral Show was very positive as it was taking place in the wake of the lifting of the Beef Ban.
"For the first time in a decade, Northern Ireland beef is back on the menu in Europe. Obviously this opens up many opportunities for local farmers. I will work with the farming community in maximising the opportunities for new markets, whilst also ensuring that firm biosecurity arrangements are in place," he said.
He continued by saying that the Show is an excellent opportunity to enable him to see the the best in Northern Ireland's farming and rural economy, but also to allow him to meet with the people who are closely involved in it.
Mr Cairns was joined by former Northern Ireland Farming Minister, Jeff Rooker who was attending the show to wish the rural and farming community well as he handed over his duties to his predecessor.
Lord Rooker is now Minister of State for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
(EF/SP)
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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.
