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17/10/2003
Minister announces NI food strategy group
Agriculture Minister, Ian Pearson today announced plans to set up an expert group to recommend a long term plan for the development of the food sector in Northern Ireland.
The group, which will be announced shortly, will be made up of senior expert figures from different parts of the food chain and also include consumer interests.
"It will have a clear brief to report to Ministers by next autumn on the development of the sector and how support arrangements can be optimised and consolidated. The work of the Group will be fully supported by DARD, DETI and INI," the Minister said.
"Through the Food Strategy Group a unique opportunity exists to bring together senior figures from all sectors of the agri-food industry to provide complementary expertise to drive and advise on a new strategic vision for the future development of the Northern Ireland agri-food sector.
"These key individuals, under an expert Chair, will work together with a common approach, through partnership, to recommend solutions to key issues to ensure that Northern Ireland maintains and develops a clear identity in the world food market," the Minister added.
Northern Ireland's food sector is a major part of the local economy worth over £850m annually and involving 52,000 jobs.
(MB)
The group, which will be announced shortly, will be made up of senior expert figures from different parts of the food chain and also include consumer interests.
"It will have a clear brief to report to Ministers by next autumn on the development of the sector and how support arrangements can be optimised and consolidated. The work of the Group will be fully supported by DARD, DETI and INI," the Minister said.
"Through the Food Strategy Group a unique opportunity exists to bring together senior figures from all sectors of the agri-food industry to provide complementary expertise to drive and advise on a new strategic vision for the future development of the Northern Ireland agri-food sector.
"These key individuals, under an expert Chair, will work together with a common approach, through partnership, to recommend solutions to key issues to ensure that Northern Ireland maintains and develops a clear identity in the world food market," the Minister added.
Northern Ireland's food sector is a major part of the local economy worth over £850m annually and involving 52,000 jobs.
(MB)
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