Muir delivers first Ministerial Address at Balmoral Show

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir has said he is committed to to deliver for our environment, our economy and our rural, farming and fishing communities.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir making his Ministerial address at the Balmoral Show.

The Minister made the comments as he addressed a range of stakeholders at a special event at this year’s Balmoral Show, his first as Agricultural Minister.

During his statement he spoke about the wide remit of his department including his future vision, climate change, environmental sustainability, disease control to protect public and animal health, farm support for the agriculture sector and the importance of our rural communities.

The Minister said:

“The Balmoral Show is not just an institution in its own right but a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the food we produce, the farming, fishing and food businesses that produce it and the rural and coastal communities that are such a key part of the fabric of Northern Ireland."

Speaking in relation to the Minister’s future vision, the Minister said:

“I want to assure you of my unstinting commitment to working in partnership with all of you and with so many others to deliver for our environment, our economy and our rural, farming and fishing communities. I am also building a detailed case for future UK Government funding of agriculture, rural development and fisheries with my Executive colleagues.

I have consistently put on the record that we need to call time on the idea that support for the environment and support for agriculture are mutually exclusive concepts. It does a real injustice to the many positive examples of great farming practice across Northern Ireland, practice being carried out by people who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the wellbeing of the land they look after.”

The Minister continued:

“Tackling climate change is one of my key priorities. It is difficult to ignore what we see in front of us with the severe weather patterns experienced this year alone - some of our towns, villages, communities, businesses severely impacted. We must act now. And we must act together. The impact of climate change is particularly acute for agriculture with, for example, extreme weather having a prolonged effect.  It also presents real challenges for our fishing communities.

Achieving improved environmental sustainability is also critical.  None of us wants the situation in Lough Neagh to continue. We all know we need to do things differently going forward.”

The Minister added:

“As Minister, I intend to work tirelessly across the entire remit of my Department with the agri-food sector and others, so that Northern Ireland can become an exemplar in achieving thriving, sustainable and resilient agri-food and fishing sectors, a healthy, nature rich environment, leading on climate change mitigation and adaptation.  Our young people have a key role to play in realising this vision. We must encourage the younger generation to get involved and support new talent.”

Turning to Rural Communities the Minister said:

“Rural Northern Ireland is integral to our economic, social, and environmental well-being and development. The way ahead for rural policy is another of my key considerations.  My department will play its part in building stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural communities where people want to live, work, visit and invest.”

Speaking on disease control, public and animal health, Minister Muir said:

“I am acutely aware, as you will be also, that Bovine Tuberculosis is one of the most challenging issues facing us. With herd incidence currently at just under 10%, one farm in ten has experienced the difficulties associated with a new TB breakdown in the past year. bTB is not the only challenge we face and we will continue our efforts to prevent and eradicate other diseases.”

The Minister concluded:

“I want to genuinely and sincerely state that I appreciate the significance of the challenges facing businesses operating in the agri-food and fishing sectors. It is my view that maintaining the status quo for any business is no longer a viable business option. No-one wants to be left behind.

I understand that you will be looking to me and my Department for the policy, support, decisions and most importantly leadership required to deal with these challenges in a manner that strikes an appropriate balance across food production and environmental management. There is much for us all to do, and the most effective way for us all to move forward is through collaboration.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Download the Minister's speech.
2. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
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