Updated 22/04/15
The UFU have been carefully monitoring the progress of the Agri-Food Strategy Board (AFSB). In May 2013 the AFSB launch its 'Going for Growth' report, which detailed recommendations for growing and developing Northern Ireland's agri-food industry. However, it took over 18 months (October 2014) to get the NI Executive to officially sign it off.
Despite the current austerity agenda facing NI, it is good news that the Government has committed up to £250 million to fund a 'Farm Business Improvement' Scheme, which will be delivered as part of the NI Rural Development Programme to help farmers improve and develop their businesses, and we are watching the development of this scheme with particular interest.
Also, investigative work has also begun into the creation of a single marketing body for Northern Ireland. The Union has always believed strongly and argued for well funded, co-ordinated, and export focused marketing to assist in the growth and development of the industry.
For more information visit http://www.agrifoodstrategyboard.org.uk/
