Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir at the NI Farming Awards 2024

Farming Life

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir addresses attendees at the NI Farming Awards 2024. The awards were held at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on 9 October.

Transcript

00:00Thank you, Adrian and Ruth. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and colleagues, good

00:13evening and welcome to the North Maryland Farming Awards, which are now in their 13th

00:18year. And it's an excuse for me to come along, and yet again, we're at Dickeyville, and put

00:22in a bit more of a formal surroundings here tonight. And it's a real pleasure to be with

00:27you all this evening. Tonight's event provides a unique opportunity to come together as a

00:32community and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and innovation that drives North

00:38Maryland's agricultural sector forward. These awards are more than just about competition,

00:44they represent an important recognition of the hard work and passion of our farmers,

00:48their families, rural businesses and farming families. Tonight, we celebrate your contributions

00:55to our economy, our environment, and also our society. As Minister of Agriculture,

01:00Environment and Rural Affairs, I'm deeply aware of the vital role that farming plays

01:05in Northern Ireland, it's an intrinsic part of what makes Northern Ireland. From food production

01:10and environmental stewardship, to rural development and community resilience,

01:14the impact of your work is felt in every corner of Northern Ireland. Agriculture makes a

01:19significant contribution to Northern Ireland's economy. In 2023, Northern Ireland's agriculture

01:25had a gross output of 2.87 billion and a gross value added of 699 million, with the wider agri-food

01:33sector supporting employment of around 85,000 people across the region. However, beyond the

01:38numbers, farming is woven into the very fabric of our communities. It sustains rural livelihoods,

01:44preserves our landscapes and ensures food security for our people. Farmers in Northern

01:49Ireland have always demonstrated incredible resilience, adapting to changing market and

01:54environmental conditions and also policy shifts. Your ability to innovate, diversify and continue

02:01to deliver excellence is what makes this sector so remarkable. Tonight's awards reflect that

02:07excellence. They recognise not only the best farmers and farming businesses, but also the

02:12talent, entrepreneurship and innovation that are helping to shape the future of agriculture

02:18in Northern Ireland. Innovation and diversification are key themes that run through tonight's event.

02:24The finalists and winners we celebrate this evening embody the spirit of innovation,

02:29diversification and sustainability, which are essential for the sector's continued success.

02:35As Minister, I am committed to supporting the future of farming. My department's new

02:40programme of farm support and development is being co-designed with the industry and

02:44other key stakeholders to target farm support to meet the bespoke needs of Northern Ireland.

02:50The overall objective of the programme is to produce a transition to a more sustainable

02:55farming sector, to seek and implement policies and strategies that benefit our climate and

03:00environment, whilst very importantly supporting our economically and socially significant agri-food

03:06sector. I am also committed to fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging the adoption

03:11of new technologies and supporting farmers in diversifying their operations should they choose

03:16to do so. In an increasingly competitive global market, innovation is absolutely essential

03:22for enhancing productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability of our farming sector.

03:27Whether it's precision farming, digital agriculture or advances in genetics and breeding,

03:32we need to embrace new ways of thinking and working. But innovation isn't just about technology,

03:38it's also about business models, product development and value-added services.

03:42No doubt some of you here tonight will have successfully diversified your farming business,

03:46whether through farm shops, renewable energy projects, agritourism or artisan food production.

03:53By doing so, you are not only boosting your own profitability but also contributing to the

03:57vibrancy of our rural economy. Alongside innovation and diversification, sustainability

04:03must be at the heart of everything we do. Our farmers are custodians of our landscapes and

04:07natural resources. You manage 75% of our land area and the choices you make have a profound

04:13impact on our environment. I know that many are already leading the way in sustainable farming

04:18practices through, for example, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil health, enhancing

04:24biodiversity or adopting renewable energy solutions. But as we face the present challenges

04:29of climate change, we must all step up our efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient

04:34agriculture sector and protect our planet. The Northern Ireland Executive, of which I'm proud

04:39to be part of, has recently published a draft program for government and I'm pleased that one

04:43of the three key missions is climate. We'll have a role to play in protecting our planet.

04:48We therefore encourage you all to be part of the wider conversation and to respond to the

04:52consultation on the draft program for government. Furthermore, the Executive has recently approved

04:58my department's first environmental improvement plan. In Northern Ireland we face a range of

05:02environmental challenges including habitat and species loss, greenhouse gas emissions, water and

05:07air and soil quality, development and circular economy, waste management and more. It keeps me

05:12busy. When it comes to our environment, maintaining the status quo is not an option. We all have a

05:17collective responsibility to deliver the change urgently required and the environmental improvement

05:22plan sets out an important framework and baseline for action to protect our environment. The

05:28Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is working closely with the farming community

05:32to support the transition to more sustainable practices through the introduction of our new

05:37Farm Support and Development Programme. Our goal is to create a future where farming can be both profitable

05:42and environmentally sustainable. I believe that farmers have a crucial role to play in tackling

05:47climate change and protecting our natural environment and DARA will be with you every step

05:52of the way as we work towards these goals together. As we recognise the incredible achievements of

05:58tonight's finalists and winners, I want to emphasise how proud you should be. You represent the very best

06:04of Northern Ireland's farming industry. Your commitment to excellence, your passion for what you do

06:09and your ability to adapt and innovate in the face of change. The farming awards are not just a

06:14celebration of success, they're an inspiration for the next generation of farmers. In an era where

06:20we're working hard to encourage young people to enter the sector, your achievements send a powerful

06:25message that farming is a dynamic, rewarding and forward-thinking industry with a bright future.

06:31In conclusion, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists

06:36and also the winners tonight. Your dedication, your hard work and leadership are an inspiration

06:41to us all. Thank you for your contributions to our farming sector and thank you for your unwavering

06:46commitment to excellence. As we look to the future, DARA will continue to work alongside you,

06:51supporting innovation, encouraging diversification and promoting sustainability. Together I am

06:56confident that we can ensure a bright future for farming in Northern Ireland, one that's resilient,

07:01competitive and sustainable for generations to come. Enjoy the rest of your evening and in conclusion

07:06I just want to say thank you to everyone here and within the farming community for the welcome

07:10that they've given to me as Minister, the respect that they've shown and the constructive attitude

07:14that is given. There's many examples across Northern Ireland we should be extremely proud of.

07:19When I go to other parts of the UK, Ireland and beyond, we've got a story to tell which

07:23is very positive and we should celebrate that tonight. Thank you.

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