Innovate: Don’t Stagnate was the theme of the 2009 Anual Conference, hosted by the Institute at CAFRE’s Loughry campus. Bombardier Aerospace’s Michael Hatrick confirmed that he did not like the word ‘innovation’. “It gives the impression of Albert Einstein-like people coming up with flashes of genius. In reality the challenge facing every modern business is that of securing continuous improvement regarding every aspect of its operations. Above all else this will require the correct attitude of mind o the part of a company’s entire workforce,” he added.

I recognise that farming can be a lonely business. But there is nothing to stop producers attending discussion groups, seminars and conferences such as this event today. Chatting ideas over with a neighbour is also an extremely useful way of getting to hear about new ideas.”

Alltech’s European director Pat Charlton told the conference that these are exciting times for agriculture. “People will always spend money on food. And new ideas will always be required on the part of farmers and agricultural supply businesses in order to meet this challenge in the most effective way possible,” he added.

“As a consequence, the prospects for agriculture moving forward remain fundamentally strong. Yes 2008 ended with a number of issues gained international prominence, which had a direct bearing on the fortunes of particular agri sectors here in Northern Ireland. A case in point was the Melamine scare in China. “As a consequence the international market for dairy products weakened dramatically. However, the fundamentals of the Chinese economy remain strong. The country is home to a fast expanding middle class who want to consume meat and dairy products. If global demand for such commodities increases, then agriculture in Northern Ireland will benefit in kind.”

He added:

“The local farming industry, with its strong family-based structures, remains well placed to come out the other end of the current economic downturn in good shape. This may not be the case in countries such as the USA where industrialised farming operations now have no option but to cut back on costs. It is now predicted that dairy cow numbers in the United States may well fall considerably in the wake of the recent global downturn in milk prices.”

He concluded:

“All businesses, including those directly involved in food production, must evolve more flexible development plans if they hope to survive long term. In the case of Alltech we have continued to develop new and innovative products with a proven impact at farm level. Theories are no good if they cannot be translated into profitable reality.”