20 December 2007 - Appointment to the livestock and meat commission

Mr Jim Noble has been appointed as a new member to the commission. This appointment is required to fill a vacancy on the commission and is effective from 1 February 2008 to 31 January 2011.

In making this appointment the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA said: “Mr Noble has a wealth of experience that will be very helpful to the commission in these challenging times for the beef and sheep industries.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Mr Noble comes from a farming background and, following his formal education in food technology and engineering at Loughry College and Queens University Belfast, spent the greater part of his career with the Milk Marketing Board for Northern Ireland. From 1988 to 2000 he was the Managing Director of Dromona Quality Foods during which time he acquired broad experience of a change environment and significant experience in dealing with the retail multiples. He has also worked with the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Training Council. Currently he is a Board Member of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (for which he receives £3,600 per annum).
2. This appointment is made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. Mr Noble has not been involved in any political activity during the past five years.
3. The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland, which was established in 1967, has the general duty of assisting the development of the livestock (cattle and sheep) and livestock products sectors of the Northern Ireland agri-food industry. It provides a range of services to producers and meat traders including market intelligence and promotion and beef and lamb carcase classification. It also administers the Farm Quality Assurance Scheme and market support arrangements for beef and lamb in Northern Ireland (the latter as agent of the Rural Payments Agency).
4. The appointment is made under section 1 of the Livestock Marketing Commission Act (Northern Ireland) 1967. The appointment has been made in accordance with the Commissioner of Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Code of Practice.
5. The post attracts a remuneration of £6,355 per annum.
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