Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today met with the Chief Executive of Bord Bia to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Speaking after her meeting with Aidan Cotter, Minister O’Neill said: “This is an exciting time for the agri-food sector and it has real potential to expand further, generate income and create new jobs, right across the north. Today’s meeting was useful to discuss how the south’s Food Harvest 2020, which sets out a vision of ‘smart, green growth’ for agri-food and fisheries, will formally guide Bord Bia’s strategic focus and priorities from 2011, evolving into milestone plans to achieve specific aims and outcomes by 2020.”
The Minister continued: “This will have similarities with the work of the Agri-Food Strategy Board (AFSB) it will be a key driver to develop and implement an industry-led vision and strategic plan for the sector.
“While development of the plan will be industry-led, I would expect it to identify challenges and opportunities, to set ambitious targets for growth and employment in the sector, and to identify the contribution that can be made by all elements of the food chain.”
The Minister concluded: “It is my firm view that we should not be in competition with another on the island of Ireland but should be working together to ensure we are in competition with the rest of the world.”
