188体育

Agri-food firms and industry representatives joined the Secretary of State鈥檚 Business Advisory Group鈥檚 core members for a discussion focused on how the sector鈥檚 world class performance in recent years can be protected and expanded.

Also joining the meeting was Minister for Exiting the EU Robin Walker, whose first visit to Northern Ireland since being appointed follows Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis鈥檚 visit last month.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire said:

Northern Ireland鈥檚 food and drink sector makes a vital contribution to economic life both here and the wider UK, sustaining tens of thousands of jobs and livelihoods.

The UK government is focussed on securing continued growth across the whole UK economy and forging new international trading links. We see Northern Ireland鈥檚 food and agriculture sector having an important role in this.

It was immensely valuable to hear about the sector鈥檚 particular challenges today. I noted the opportunities we will want to grasp as well, working alongside the Executive, particularly around emerging markets and a growing worldwide demand for Northern Ireland鈥檚 excellent agricultural and food products.

Minister for Exiting the EU Robin Walker said:

The people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union and it鈥檚 the duty of the Government to make sure we do just that. The UK is a great country with a bright future and Northern Ireland plays a huge part in its success.

We鈥檙e confident of getting a good deal for the whole country, but to do this we need a UK-wide approach as we prepare for negotiations. That鈥檚 why I鈥檓 in Northern Ireland today 鈥� to hear from the people, groups and businesses that have helped to build Northern Ireland鈥檚 success and who will continue to build a brighter, more secure future for the people who live here.

Executive Director Mike Mullan said:

We were delighted to welcome Secretary of State James Brokenshire and Minister for Exiting the EU Robin Walker to Moy Park.

The visit offered us the opportunity to discuss our business and the value it brings to the Northern Ireland economy, and we welcome this open dialogue with the Northern Ireland Secretary on the future and value of the agri-food industry.

In the first sector-specific meeting chaired by the Secretary of State since the Business Advisory Group was formed on 1 September, Mr Brokenshire led the discussion towards the most pressing issues for the sector, including:

• UK government guarantees for direct CAP payments to farmers until 2020, providing certainty to Northern Ireland鈥檚 agricultural community;
• The importance of cross border trade and the movement of goods and people between Northern Ireland and Ireland; and
• Reassurance about protecting the status of Northern Ireland鈥檚 and the UK鈥檚 iconic traditional products.

Today鈥檚 session complements other business engagement meetings undertaken this week by Northern Ireland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop with large and small retailers, professional services and the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Attendees at today鈥檚 meeting at Moy Park included the Business Advisory Group core members:

• Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Wilfred Mitchell OBE, Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses
• Linda Brown, Director, Institute of Directors NI
• Iain Hoy, Senior Policy Advisor, CBI NI

And agri-food sector representatives:

• Mike Mullan, Director, Moy Park
• Mich谩el McCoy, Federation of Small Businesses Armagh
• Victor Chestnutt, Deputy President of Ulster Farmers Union
• Declan Billington, Chair, NI Food & Drink Association
• Campbell Tweedie, President of NI Meat Exporters Association
• Robin Irvine, Chief Executive of NI Grain Trade Association

Key facts:

• 5.8 per cent of the total workforce in NI is employed in agriculture, the highest percentage in the UK.
• The Northern Ireland food and drink industry is the leading sector in the Northern Ireland economy, employing 100,000 people and generating 拢2 billion in wages. The sales value of food produced is estimated at around 拢5 billion this year with at least 拢3.5 billion of that coming from export markets (NIFDA).
• Northern Ireland Food and Drink produce is recognised amongst the very best in the United Kingdom. In the great Taste Awards in 2011 Northern Ireland producers won 160 gold stars, in 2015 200.