Can the Agri Food Industry contribute £5 billion to our economy?
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster
With farming and food now expected to play a pivotal role in leading the local economy out of recession, the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS) is asking the question: can the Agri Food Industry contribute £5 billion to the Northern Ireland’s economy? Courtesy of its 2012 annual conference NIIAS has lined up three key speakers well capable of providing the answer to the aforementioned question. They are key policy makers and opinion formers within the local agri food industry, making this year’s conference a must attend event for Institute members and those with a professional interest in agri food affairs.
Arlene Foster MLA – Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment will provide a perspective on how the Stormont Executive will support the envisaged growth within Northern Ireland’s food sector moving forward.
NIFDA Chairman Tony O’Neill - an Executive Director with Moy Park will trace the success story of this uniquely dynamic company to date and its plans for the future.
Clarke Black – Chief Executive with the Ulster Farmers’ Union will analyse the production challenges facing the farming sectors as the agri food sector tackles the ‘growth challenge’.
More details on the 2012 NIIAS conference to be held on 8th February at AFBI Newforge, Belfast can be viewed in the News section.
Arlene Foster MLA – Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment will provide a perspective on how the Stormont Executive will support the envisaged growth within Northern Ireland’s food sector moving forward.
NIFDA Chairman Tony O’Neill - an Executive Director with Moy Park will trace the success story of this uniquely dynamic company to date and its plans for the future.
Clarke Black – Chief Executive with the Ulster Farmers’ Union will analyse the production challenges facing the farming sectors as the agri food sector tackles the ‘growth challenge’.
More details on the 2012 NIIAS conference to be held on 8th February at AFBI Newforge, Belfast can be viewed in the News section.
Adding value is the only show in town
Dr David Dobbin and Dr Joan Moss
United dairy Farmers’ Group Chief Executive David Dobbin has indicated that world dairy markets may soften in 2012, but he remains confident that the milk sector in Northern Ireland has a bright, long term future.
Speaking at a networking breakfast hosted by the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science, prior to the commencement of this year’s Winter Fair, he added that local milk producers had no option but to become better and more efficient at what they do.
“This principle holds for every industry,” Dr Dobbin further explained.
“Farmers can take one of five options when it comes to managing their businesses. They can decide to get out, get bigger, get better, get into something new or simply stand still. But the reality is that the latter option is, de facto, a slow exit strategy.” More Details and pictures can be seen in the NIIAS News section.
Speaking at a networking breakfast hosted by the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science, prior to the commencement of this year’s Winter Fair, he added that local milk producers had no option but to become better and more efficient at what they do.
“This principle holds for every industry,” Dr Dobbin further explained.
“Farmers can take one of five options when it comes to managing their businesses. They can decide to get out, get bigger, get better, get into something new or simply stand still. But the reality is that the latter option is, de facto, a slow exit strategy.” More Details and pictures can be seen in the NIIAS News section.
NIIAS celebrates its 50th Anniversary Dinner in style
John Thornton, Dr Mark Browne, Richard Halleron
Members of the Northern Ireland Institute of Agriculture Science (NIIAS) gathered for a gala dinner at Parliament Buildings, Stormont earlier this week to mark the 50th Anniversary of the organisation. NIIAS represents the professional interests of agri food graduates and diplomats working in Northern Ireland. Speaking at the event DARD Deputy Secretary Dr Mark Browne said that one of the biggest challenges society faces in the coming decades is the need to meet the growing demand for food.
More details and pictures from the dinner are available in the News section.
More details and pictures from the dinner are available in the News section.
NIIAS Annual Charity Quiz raises over £1,000
On the 13th Oct, NIIAS will held its annual Charity Quiz at Harlequins Rugby Club and raised over £1,000 for it's chosen charity for 2011.
This year’s chosen charity was Alpha Primary in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Alpha Primary is situated in a underprivileged community. Over the past 5 years the school has become a shining light within the community with an upgraded staff room, new toilet facilities and most recently a greenhouse project to teach the children how to grow vegetables. A very important project at the school is the providing of two remedial teachers, Mrs Wendy Nel and Mrs Bev Liss, who spend 6 hours a week with 24 kids. This project is in its second year and the impact that it is having is phenomenal.
See more photos in the News section
This year’s chosen charity was Alpha Primary in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Alpha Primary is situated in a underprivileged community. Over the past 5 years the school has become a shining light within the community with an upgraded staff room, new toilet facilities and most recently a greenhouse project to teach the children how to grow vegetables. A very important project at the school is the providing of two remedial teachers, Mrs Wendy Nel and Mrs Bev Liss, who spend 6 hours a week with 24 kids. This project is in its second year and the impact that it is having is phenomenal.
See more photos in the News section
Tremendous turn out for NIIAS Networking Breakfast
There was a tremendous turnout of agri/food industry leaders and young professionals for the recent NIIAS (Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science) Networking Breakfast. The key speaker at the event was Devenish Nutrition’s Managing Director Owen Brennan, who confirmed that the agri food sector has a tremendous future at the very heart of the local economy.
See the News section for more details and photos
See the News section for more details and photos
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The current edition focuses on upcoming events such as the networking breakfast, charity quiz and 50th anniversary dinner at Stormont. Other news includes the acceptance of NIIAS into CEDIA, the pan European organisation for national agricultural science associations
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NIIAS members take a tumble in the Jungle
The NI Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS) summer outing and barbeque to the Focus Farm of Robert Carmichael, Moneymore, gave members the opportunity to view one of the most remarkable farm diversification projects anywhere in NI. It also reflected attempts by NIIAS to broaden their appeal and attract new members into the organisation.
See the News section for more details
See the News section for more details
John Thornton - New NIIAS Chairman
NIIAS Chairman John Thornton and Vice Chairman Gavin McQuaid
John Thornton is the chairman of the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS) for 2011/12. He was elected unopposed at the organisation’s recent AGM. The Institute represents the professional interests of all agriculture and food science graduates working in Northern Ireland
A Master’s Graduate from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, John is Managing Director of Alltech Ireland. See the News section for more details
A Master’s Graduate from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, John is Managing Director of Alltech Ireland. See the News section for more details
NIIAS visits FaneValley Feeds
NIIAS members and Fane Valley Feeds staff
The new £18 million FaneValley feed mill near Omagh was the venue for the recent Spring Visit enjoyed by members of the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS). The Institute represents the professional interests of agriculture and food science graduates working in Northern Ireland. Fane Valley Feeds’ managing director Robin Irvine was the host for the event, which included a tour of the new facility.
See the News section for more details
See the News section for more details
The socio economic dimension to small and part time farming
Dr Joan Moss
AFBI’s Dr Joan Moss reminded delegates attending last week’s NIIAS (Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science) Annual Conference that small and part time farmers play a key role in maintaining the fabric of our rural communities.
“At the present time there are 2770 farmers gaining a full time living from agriculture,” she added.
See the News section for more details
“At the present time there are 2770 farmers gaining a full time living from agriculture,” she added.
See the News section for more details
Grain Trade President confirms tremendous potential for agri-food sectors
Declan Billington
Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association President Declan Billington has confirmed that every extra job created by the agri food sector will have a multiplier effect of three within Northern Ireland’s economy as a whole.
Speaking at this week’s NIIAS (Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science) annual conference the chief executive of John Thompson and Sons also pointed out that that agriculture has a tremendous role to play in leading Northern Ireland out of recession.
See the News section for more details
Speaking at this week’s NIIAS (Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science) annual conference the chief executive of John Thompson and Sons also pointed out that that agriculture has a tremendous role to play in leading Northern Ireland out of recession.
See the News section for more details
NIIAS Annual Debate held at Newforge Lane on the importance of continued scientific research for Northern Ireland Agriculture
Speakers & guests at the NIIAS annual debate
Research and development will continue to underpin agriculture in Northern Ireland
AFBI’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Seamus Kennedy has confirmed that well co-ordinated and funded research and development programmes are crucial to the future success and viability of Northern Ireland’s agri food sectors.
See the News section for more details
AFBI’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Seamus Kennedy has confirmed that well co-ordinated and funded research and development programmes are crucial to the future success and viability of Northern Ireland’s agri food sectors.
See the News section for more details
NIIAS and ASA visit to Brussels
View some of the images from the CEDIA organised visit to Brussels in September 2010 in the News section
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