Ministers meet to discuss delivery structures for the agri-food sector

Agricultural Minister Michelle Gildernew and Economy Minister Nigel Dodds have met to discuss their Departments’ roles in supporting the development of the Northern Ireland food sector.

The economic importance of the sector and the need to realise its full potential were the key themes of the meeting, and both Ministers agreed that it was vital that public support was developed and delivered in the best way to achieve increased competitiveness and growth. They commended the progress which had been made under the auspices of the Food Strategy Implementation Partnership (FSIP) and noted its proposals for further development.

The Ministers commissioned further work by their Departments, including Invest NI, on the options for working more effectively to achieve a greater impact. They agreed to meet again in September to take stock and consider the way forward.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The FSIP was established in November 2004 by Ministers Gardner and Pearson. Dan Flinter chairs the Partnership which comprises 8 members representing a wide range of agri-food stakeholder interests.
2. The FSIP monitor and oversee implementation by Invest NI and DARD of a series of recommendations spanning supply chain, innovation, capability development and marketing.
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