Environment Secretary met
representatives from Northern Ireland’s food and farming
sectors today to discuss the future of their industries
outside the EU.
Following a meeting with industry leaders including the
Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association,
Northern Ireland Environment Link and Northern Ireland
Food and Drink Association amongst others in Stormont,
the Environment Secretary visited a local farm hosted by
members of the Ulster Farmers Union.
The visit was an opportunity to discuss the key
opportunities and challenges facing the sector ahead of
EU exit, and for regional industry leaders to share their
ambitions and expectations for future farming policy as
we prepare to leave the European Union.
Speaking after the meetings, Environment Secretary
said:
Food and drink is the leading sector in the Northern
Ireland economy, employing tens-of-thousands people and
generating around £5 billion from food sales alone.
As we prepare to leave the EU, we have the chance to
design a new approach to food and farming that works
for the whole of the UK, not least for Northern
Ireland.
Today’s meeting with agricultural leaders was a chance
to hear first-hand from them as we move towards life
outside the EU. We will continue to work closely with
industry to ensure we grasp the opportunities that
leaving the EU presents.
The roundtables held today are part of a series of
ongoing engagements across all parts of the UK ahead of
EU exit.
