The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs,
, has announced an extension to
the appointment terms of Tom Tynan, Tom Wright, Tim McClelland,
Alan Moore and Daphne Johnston as members of the Board of
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) for a three-month
period.
This decision has been made in accordance with the Commissioner
for Public Appointments Code of Practice for Ministerial
Appointments in Northern Ireland and the extended terms take
effect from 1 June 2025 until 31 August 2025.
A public appointment process is currently ongoing to appoint
members to the AFBI Board.
Notes to editors:
- Biographical details for all AFBI Board members can be
found on the AFBI website: https://www.afbini.gov.uk/page/membership-afbi-board
- AFBI is a DAERA Executive Non-Departmental Public Body set up
under the powers of the Agriculture (NI) Order 2004. It is
empowered under the Order to undertake scientific work (research
and development, testing, advice and information on scientific
matters and dissemination of the results of scientific research)
in the fields of agriculture, animal health and welfare, food,
fisheries, forestry, the natural environment and rural
development and enterprise.
- These members have served one term from 1 December 2021 to 30
November 2024 and a second, and the current term, from 1 December
2024 to 31 May 2025. Their appointments were made on merit
and political activity played no part in the selection
process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments
for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of
appointees to be published. Mr Tim McClelland is an elected
Councillor for the Democratic Unionist Party in Armagh City,
Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council since 2019. The
other members have not been involved in any political activity
during the past five years.
- On 8 April 2025 the Minister extended 3 other members, Martyn
Blair, Bill Montgomery and Thérèse Rafferty from 1 May to 31
July 2025.
- Board members receive a per diem rate of £436 and their time
commitment is unlikely to exceed 20 days per annum.
