AFBI 'strenuously refutes' suggestions of 'poor farming practices' after GB news report on Hillsborough farm

A video statement from Prof Elizabeth Magowan of AFBI was aired at the weekend following a GB news report which showed videos and photographs taken at the research farm provided by a ‘whistle blower’. The report by Dougie Beattie highlighted concerns around animal welfare and environmental controls at the farm.

In the video Professor Magowan said AFBI takes all concerns and allegations extremely seriously.

She continued: “As such AFBI have undertaken an extensive and thorough investigation, under AFBI’s raising concern policy, into concerns relating to animal welfare and environmental controls on the AFBI Hillsborough site.

"This investigation involved both an internal review by senior experienced staff as well as external inspections by DAERA, NIEA and Red Tractor.

"The material presented to AFBI, through the concern raised, represented a series of photographs and videos from incidents over a period of approximately 3 years. AFBI was aware of many of these incidents when they originally occurred and was content that they had previously been dealt with appropriately. However, they were further investigated in response to the concerns raised.

"I’m pleased to report that the outcomes of the investigations, inspections and audits were positive. All actions that were required have been undertaken to the satisfaction of inspectors.

AFBI works to upholding high standards of animal welfare and environmental controls and holds all applicable accreditations. The audits and inspections recently completed have provided substantial levels of assurance that the AFBI Hillsborough farm is complying with good farming practices and expected standards of animal health and welfare,” added Professor Magowan.

"As such, AFBI strenuously refutes any suggestions of poor farming practices relating to animal health and welfare at our Hillsborough farm, particularly those made recently on social media. This misinformation is unhelpful and unjustified.

"AFBI is happy to host any groups or individuals who wish to visit the site and/or discuss our work and site practices.”

Following Saturday’s report TUV Agriculture spokesperson, Cllr Allister Kyle claimed that the Minister’s position is now “untenable.”

Councillor Kyle said: “The footage and reports emerging from AFBI Hillsborough are a disgrace to our agricultural industry. For too long, the Department has operated on a basis of ‘one rule for them and another for us.’

“Ordinary, hard-working farmers across Northern Ireland are hounded by inspectors and face severe penalties for the slightest administrative oversight. Yet, a government-run flagship site is caught up in allegations of animal cruelty, environmental failures, and a massive data breach that compromised the private information of hundreds of farmers.

“If a private farmer were accused of even a fraction of these failings, the Department would be down on them like a ton of bricks. Instead, because it is a government body, we get hollow apologies and ‘internal reviews’ that lack any real accountability.

“This is rank hypocrisy. The Minister in charge has presided over a culture of incompetence and a total breakdown of trust within the farming community. There cannot be a two-tier system for enforcement in this province. The Minister must go.”