The new trading environment created by Brexit, which has knock-on effects on labor shortages, is another obstacle to progress. The report found that these labour problems were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Agri-Food Sector.
Entrepreneurs, representatives, knowledge institutions, and farm businesses must all take on the challenge.
Sir Peter Kendall is the lead author. He was a former president and Chairman of the UKs Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. The NI Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Economy (DfE) commissioned this review.
Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector has no positive story to share in terms of its environmental credentials.It was noted in the publication.
It was especially evident in relation to the impacts of surplus nutrients from agriculture on water-quality, and ammonia on sensitive sites, and biodiversity, it said. If the situation is not corrected, it is possible for the livestock sector to be reduced.
Since 2009, NI’s total greenhouse gas (GHG), emissions from agriculture have risen by almost 9%. The majority of these emissions are due to enteric fermentation in cattle. 26% of Northern Ireland’s GHG emission comes from agriculture. The sector is at stake unless the dial is turned in a different direction.
Recommendations
The review includes 11 recommendations. These include the establishment of a Northern Ireland Diamond Partnership, which would link government, society and education.
The report also recommends that an industry-led sustainability body be established to measure and certify carbon credentials of NI agrifood. It also suggests the development of more ambitious targets and methods of delivering carbon Net Zero.
A data revolutionIt is also recommended that you embrace digitisation in relation to farming and food process, as well as major investments in innovation and entrepreneurship to create a more circular economic system.
Food and feed companies should seriously consider partnering with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, (NIEA) within DAERA to develop sustainability-focused initiatives. DAERA must provide sufficient resources for them.
Professor Nigel Scollan is Director of IGFS and said that the report provided a positive path. He said: Although the scope of the challenges and opportunities facing agri-food is vast, this report offers constructive recommendations and timely recommendations, including that of the Northern Ireland Diamond. In practice, this would be NI PLC working together in a one team approach to support our agrifood industry.
