Gildernew visits RUAS Winter Fair

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA today visited this year’s Winter Fair at the King’s Hall, Belfast.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development presented a major exhibition at the event, under the theme of ‘Delivering Change, Meeting Challenges’ at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) organised event.

Speaking during her visit, the Minister said: “The Winter Fair is an important event in the agriculture calendar and provides exhibitors with an opportunity to market their products and services. No farming family needs reminding of the pressures felt throughout 2009 as a result of the weather, poor milk prices and the overall downturn in the economy.

“The mood at today’s Winter Fair is very up beat and I am very encouraged at the dairy sector’s enthusiasm despite current challenges. I hear farmers in a better mood as a result of much improved milk prices and renewed confidence in the rural economy. A significant improvement in the Single Farm Payment due to currency movements, has also been a welcome boost for farmers.”

The Minister said more needs to be done to improve the competitiveness of the dairy industry. She added: “To succeed the industry needs to focus more on higher added value products and product innovation combined with improved overall levels of efficiency. A competitiveness study of the dairy industry, currently underway, will lay a good foundation for future sustainability of the sector and make an important contribution to the local economy and rural areas.”

The Minister continued: “Farmers, their families and the wider rural community can avail of a wide range of opportunities to improve technical knowledge, enhance business competence and learn from one another, while at the same time develop new skills and improve local facilities. There are many and various farm family projects which my Department has supported, through diversification funding, as well as Measures under both Axis 1 and 3 of the Rural Development Programme which benefit all of the agricultural community.

“The Winter Fair is a key date in the local dairy calendar and we all hope to see better times, as the economy emerges from the downturn. I congratulate the RUAS on yet another hugely successful and seasonal event.”

The DARD Exhibit at the Winter Fair provided an opportunity for all those attending to discuss the particular issues which affect them in their own individual situation, with staff from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Veterinary Service, Countryside Management and Quality Assurance.

The Minister was welcomed to the Winter Fair by RUAS President Brian King and Chief Executive Colin McDonald.

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