Stakeholders meet Committee

The NI Assembly Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development will meet representatives of the red meat industry including processors, retailers, and restaurants at a seminar in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on Thursday 13 March 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. William McCrea MP MLA, Chair of the Committee said,

“This is the first time that the major retailers in Northern Ireland have met the red meat industry stakeholders and the Committee at the same time and it provides an unique opportunity for all concerned to open up a meaningful dialogue on the future of the industry.

“This is not about laying blame, it’s about all those attending having a collective desire to return the Northern Ireland red meat sector to its rightful position as one of the leading producers of high quality food”

The Committee will discuss the challenges affecting farmers in re-establishing the quality profile of Northern Ireland produce in the global red meat market to help prevent the industry from further decline.

Following the seminar the Committee will produce an action plan that will be agreed to and implemented by the main stakeholders attending.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The following stakeholders will be attending;

Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development
Asda
Department for Agriculture and Rural Development
Department for Enterprise, Trade and Learning
Farmers for Action
Livestock and Meat Commission
Marks and Spencer
Musgrave Retail Partners
National Beef Association
National Sheep Association
NI Agricultural Producers Association
NI Food and Drink Association
NI Meat Exporters Association
Sainsbury’s
Tesco
Ulster Farmers Union

2. Committee Membership:

Dr William McCrea MP, Chairperson
Tom Elliott, Deputy Chairperson
P.J. Bradley
Allan Bresland
Thomas Burns
Trevor Clarke
Willie Clarke
William Irwin
Pat Doherty
Francie Molloy
George Savage

Media enquiries to: -
Kieran Dougan
Information Office, Parliament Buildings
Tel: 028 9052 1642