Farming in focus

Representatives from across the agri-food supply chain have today converged in a unique event at Grove Farm, Carnlough, County Antrim.

Beef and sheep farmer Ivan McMullan hosted the event entitled “Farming in Focus” which was organised by the Supply Chain Development Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The event was designed to give farmers the opportunity to highlight their supply chain partners and the challenges they face in their business. Delegates included a range of representatives from the retail, food service and processing sectors along with farming leaders.

Arron Wright, DARD, who managed the Supply Chain Awareness Programme and was involved in co-ordinating today’s event said: “The Supply Chain Awareness Programme gave farmers and growers the chance to walk their supply chain and find out more about what happens beyond the farm gate. Today’s event has given processors and retailers the opportunity to reciprocate.”

Commenting on the aim of the event he added: “Farmers have often asked us for a forum like this in which to convey important messages about their businesses to those further along the supply chain. Farming in Focus has brought the right people together to hear what farmers have to say about the future of their farms and the food they produce.”

Delegates heard from farmers Ivan McMullan (beef and sheep) and Will Taylor (dairy) about the challenges their respective businesses are facing and what their plans were for the future. There were also presentations from Dr Paul Caskie, Farm Surveys Branch, DARD, David Gillespie, Countryside Management Branch, DARD and Donna Brock, Livestock and Meat Commission. These presentations confirmed the challenging environment in which farmers are currently having to do business.

The event concluded with a barbecued lunch consisting of a range of local produce including prime beef from Grove Farm and freshly made dairy ice-cream from Glastry Farm.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Supply Chain Awareness Programme was developed in response to the Vision Report 2002. It ran for four years concluding in March 2007 having had in excess of 1,300 participants.

2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.