The Ulster Farmers’ Union has welcomed DETI Minister Arlene Foster’s announcement that 2016 will be the Year of Food in Northern Ireland.
UFU President Ian Marshall said: “Northern Ireland has a world class food industry, which farmers play a vital role in, and it deserves to be celebrated. Ultimately, farmers are the foundations on which the industry is built and despite challenges, like unpredictable weather, low farm gate prices, and increasing bureaucracy, we continue to produce the top quality raw materials that end up on the plates of consumers and restaurant goers alike. The strict animal health and welfare requirements that farmers must meet, and the fact that many of our farmers are enrolled in farm quality assurance schemes means that we are producing some of the highest quality, safest and most traceable food in the world and the public can be confident they are getting the best when they select food grown and reared in Northern Ireland. The 2016 Year of Food also complements the efforts of the Agri-Food Strategy Board to grow and develop Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry and should serve as an important step in helping to realise the plans laid out in the ‘Going for Growth’ report.
“I think it is clear that we have a lot to be proud of and a full year dedicated to promoting and celebrating Northern Irish food is long overdue. The UFU and our members are looking forward to being a part the Year of Food in 2016 and seeing our home grown produce championed locally, nationally and internationally.”
