New Two-Year NI Food Strategy Framework Launched

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir today (Wednesday, 14th May) launched the NI Food Strategy Framework's two-year Action Plan on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The announcement was made at the Food NI breakfast event held at the RUAS Balmoral Show this morning.

Minister Muir stated: "The Food Action Plan is a collective Executive commitment to a fresh approach to food offering a new way forward focused on practical actions that maximise the opportunities our food system offers to benefit health as well as the economy and environment of Northern Ireland."

The Minister had previously published the Executive's Food Strategy Framework last November. This new Action Plan outlines the initial 39 steps to be delivered over the next two years to implement the framework. The plan has been developed in collaboration with the Department for Communities, Department for the Economy, Department of Education, Department of Finance, Department of Health, Department of Justice, the Food Standards Agency (FSA NI), and Invest NI. These actions will be delivered by various NI Executive Departments and FSA NI.

"I am delighted to formally launch the first Food Action Plan which outlines the steps we will take over the next two years, underpinned by eight important decision-making principles such as the right to food, sustainability, collaboration & leadership," Minister Muir continued.

"I am excited about the ambition of the Food Strategy Framework and Action Plan and the opportunities to make a real impact. This is an innovative food systems approach built upon the quality food we produce, underpinned by environmental sustainability and linked to wider government strategies and the Programme for Government."

The Food Action Plan is designed to deliver on three key missions:

• Mission One: To use Food to Improve Lifelong Health and Wellbeing.

• Mission Two: To Support Environmentally Sustainable, Safe and Ethical Agri-food Supply Chains.

• Mission Three: To Further Develop Sustainable Economic Prosperity Within the Agri-food Sector.