Following the success of last year’s sell-out event, the 2010 Ulster Farmers’ Union and NI Food and Drink Association Outlook Forum will be held on Tuesday 9th March 2010 in Greenmount Campus.
The theme of this year’s Forum will examine ‘The Changing Climate for Food and Farming’ and will be chaired by Professor David Hughes, an esteemed international speaker who will explore a potential strategy for farmers and food processors to adopt to a changing climate and waste disposal.
UFU President, Graham Furey said; “Globally, climate change is becoming an increasing priority in the face of a soaring demand for food, water and energy. The agri-food industry has an important role to play in meeting these demands and we need to be prepared for the threats and opportunities which lie ahead. Not only does the industry need to meet the twin challenge of producing food for a growing population, it must also help reduce the environmental impact of food production.”
“This is a unique opportunity for farmers and processors to sit in the same room and look at the challenges facing the future of the sector and the impressive line-up of experts will certainly give us all food for thought.”
Speakers at the event will include;
Martin McKendry, CAFRE- Energy and waste management integration
Dr John Gilliland OBE, Chairman of the Rural Climate Change Forum, DEFRA- Sustainability and Climate Change
Osvaldo Mauro-Hun, Rose Energy- A Practical example
Trevor Knipe, NI National Industrial Symbiosis Programme- NI Sustainability Programme
Angie Phillips, BBC NI Weather Presenter and Meteorologist- How Climate Change will Affect NI
The event will commence at 5.30pm with a buffet, followed by presentations at 6.25pm.
A copy of the programme for the event can be viewed on the UFU website www.ufuni.org .
Anyone interested in attending this years Outlook Forum should contact Kate Cairns at UFU Headquarters on 028 90370222 or Joan Sherman at NIFDA on 028 90241010.