The industry's greatest asset is its people

This the fourth and final article by Edwin Poots, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
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Over the past three weeks I have set out my vision for a sustainable agri-food industry in Northern Ireland in which all farmers are supported on an equitable basis with measures in place to ensure the delivery of profitable, productive, environmentally sustainable, resilient and supply chain focused outcomes.

In this final article, I want to focus on the greatest asset our industry has, its people.

In helping to achieve my vision and outcomes for our industry, it is important that farmers and growers embrace innovation and a greater transfer of knowledge to take the necessary steps to make changes and maximise the benefits of future schemes on their farms.

I have seen at first hand, and am greatly encouraged by, the proven success of the current Business Development Group programme.

As we move forward, my Department will develop a number of knowledge transfer and innovation programmes that build on the successes of the current farmer-focused knowledge programmes.

These will incorporate wider ancillary industry involvement in delivery and provide opportunities for greater numbers of farmers and growers to be involved.

I strongly encourage you to engage in these programmes when offered.

As an example of the opportunities that will become available to you, CAFRE will be providing training for participants in the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme.

This training will help you use the soil analysis data you receive to develop nutrient management plans for your farm to improve the efficiency of nutrient application and protect the environment.

We are all aware of the aging profile of our industry. Succession planning is a highly emotive and personal issue for many farm businesses.

Through the Generational Renewal programme, my aim is to develop a long-term approach to succession planning which respects the farmer who is stepping back and prepares the next generation to step into their role of managing and taking forward the development of the family business.

Again, I would encourage you to engage in this programme and avail of the training and mentoring support which will be provided.

Women contribute greatly to the operation of family farms in Northern Ireland and in recent years there has been a significant shift towards more females studying and working in the agri-food industry.

I very much welcome this trend and future policies will continue to address emerging needs.

We have a unique opportunity to shape our industry to ensure a sustainable and productive industry producing food, prioritising a clean, healthy environment, benefiting people, nature, and the economy, and enabling a thriving rural economy.

I am confident that my vision for agriculture in Northern Ireland can be achieved. Our biggest obstacle might be making the necessary changes in ourselves and our established approaches and behaviours.

We all need to open our minds, to be receptive to new ideas and practices and to learn the skills that we will need for a successful future.

I, therefore, cannot encourage you strongly enough to avail of the opportunities which will be open to you through future support and together we can build a sustainable industry for many future generations.

I know much can be achieved where even only a little is done by many.

The picture left includes Minister Poots pictured with some members of the DAERA Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Group, following a meeting at AFBI in Hillsborough. Left to right: Wesley Aston, UFU, Peter Gallagher, NIAPA, John Martin, RSPB, Diane Ruddock, National Trust, Minister Poots, James Lowe, NIAPA, David Brown, UFU, Conall Donnelly, NIMEA and Mike Johnston, Dairy Council NI.