Muir showcases Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector at St Patrick’s Day breakfast in Brussels

Dual access to markets in the European Union and Great Britain is a huge advantage for agri-food producers in Northern Ireland, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has stressed.

At the start of a two day visit to Belgium and the Netherlands, Minister Muir told the Northern Ireland Executive Office's annual ‘Ulster Fry for St Patrick's Day' breakfast in Brussels that Northern Ireland was incredibly fortunate to have a world class agri-food sector with access to both markets.

The Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening our ties with the EU as a longstanding and trusted trading partner and he also expressed hope that our agri-food sector would be further boosted by the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agri-food and drink Agreement.

Minister Muir told over 200 guests at the networking event showcasing Northern Ireland produce: “Back home, we're incredibly lucky. We have a long established tradition built upon family farms and innovative artisans, who pour real pride and skill into what they do. Whether it's world-class dairy, award winning meat or innovative new products from businesses that started around a kitchen table, the quality speaks for itself.

“We are also in a unique position. With dual access to both the EU and GB markets, with goods able to freely move into these regions that's a huge advantage for our producers and a real opportunity for further growth.

“I know many of you are watching the ongoing UK-EU discussions closely. I have been actively engaging with the UK government on these negotiations and hope the emerging SPS agri-food and drink arrangements will support smoother movement of agri-food goods right across the UK, while maintaining the unfettered access for NI goods to the GB and EU markets that is so important to our agri-food sector. I will continue to push the UK government to ensure maximum possible dynamic alignment with the EU and to consider re-joining the EU Customs Union to help boost our economies and ease trade frictions.”

As the Minister prepared for a round of meetings with MEPs and diplomats in Brussels, he observed relations with the EU were strong and positive and were bringing real benefits to Northern Ireland.

He added: “The dialogue and partnership we've built with our friends and trusted trading partners in the EU, alongside the practical co-operation makes a real difference to the people and businesses we represent built on full, timely, and faithful implementation of our commitments under the Windsor Framework . I'm grateful for the spirit of collaboration that underpins that work and for the shared commitment to supporting a thriving, resilient, sustainable and high quality food system in Northern Ireland.”

During his visit, the Minister is meeting with Caroline Read, Deputy Ambassador of the UK Mission to the EU and Aingeal O'Donoghue, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU.

The Minister will travel to the Netherlands tomorrow to meet the Director General for Rural Areas, Nature, and Fisheries Mark Roscam Abbing.