Re-appointment to the Livestock and Meat Commission

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced the re-appointment of Mr John McGaughey for a second term to the Board of the Livestock and Meat Commission.

Mr McGaughey’s re-appointment is effective from 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2012.

Confirming the re-appointment the Minister said: “I am pleased that Mr McGaughey, who has a wealth of experience, has agreed to serve for a second term. I wish to thank him for the important contribution which he has already made and consider that extending his appointment to a second term is in the best interests of the livestock and livestock products industries”.

Notes to Editors:

1. Mr McGaughey is a university graduate who has worked professionally within the agri-food industry for almost 40 years, primarily with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development up to Head of Branch level, and also as a private consultant. He has wide experience in beef and sheep production development work, as a livestock breeding specialist and as a red meat supply chain development adviser.

2. Mr McGaughey holds no other public appointments and he has not been involved in any political activity during the last five years.

3. The above appointment is based on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

4. 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 local 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 local beef and lamb (the latter as agent of the Rural Payments Agency). It is currently spear-heading the work of the Red Meat Task Force.

5. 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.

6. The post attracts a remuneration of £ 6,485 per annum.

7. Media enquiries to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4243 or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.