Northern Ireland Executive
12 May 2022, 16:30 GMT+10
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today attended the Balmoral Show and highlighted the important role the local agri-food sector plays in the wider economy, and delivering the 10X economic vision.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today attended the Balmoral Show and highlighted the important role the local agri-food sector plays in the wider economy, and delivering the 10X economic vision.
Speaking at a breakfast event made up of industry partners, Minister Lyons said: "Our local agri-food sector is a core component of our local economy. The most recent DAERA figures suggests the sector was worth some Pound 1.67bn in 2020, 4% of Northern Ireland total GVA. In addition, it is estimated that the agri-food sector directly employed around 35,000 workers in 2020, approximately 4.2% of total employment, as well as supporting several thousands of additional jobs in related industries.
"Over the past year I have launched a suite of strategies which will support and help deliver the bold and ambitious new 10X Economic Vision for the Northern Ireland economy. 10X focusses on our strengths, helping us to deliver a more innovative, more inclusive and more sustainable economy for the benefit of every person and every sector in Northern Ireland. Agri tech is one of the five key sectors identified in that strategy.
"The agri sector should be commended for its efforts in tackling climate change. Recent increases in energy costs, linked to geopolitical volatility, clearly illustrates the need to accelerate the roadmap to energy decarbonisation and self-sufficiency. My ambitious Energy Strategy - "The Path to Net Zero", published last December, sets out a vision to deliver self-sufficiency in affordable renewable energy for Northern Ireland."
The Minister also highlighted the Independent Strategic Review of the Agri-Food sector (ISRAF), undertaken by Sir Peter Kendall: "The Kendall Review is an important piece of work and sets out a challenge for government. Many of its recommendations, such as the industry-led sustainability body, align with the 10X Vision. It is now up to those of us in government to ensure the key recommendations are considered and delivered. To do this we need to work in partnership with our farmers, our processors, our retailers and everyone else in the agri-food sector, and for my part, I am committed to do just that."
Get a daily dose of Belfast Bulletin news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Belfast Bulletin.
More InformationLONDON, UK - Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Former government minister Mary Hanafin has confirmed she will seek the Fianna Fáil nomination to contest Ireland's...
LONDON, U.K.: British oil giant Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire rival oil company BP. The Wall Street Journal...
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): The percentage of zero-dose children (Those who have not received a single vaccine) in India has...
DAERA Minister launches consultation on new Fisheries and Water Environment Bill Date published: 3 July 2025 ...
Publication of Northern Ireland Cancer Waiting Times Statistics: January to March 2025 Date published: 3 July...
GENEVA, Switzerland: A new United Nations report alleges that dozens of global corporations are profiting from and helping sustain...
LONDON, UK - Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist...
DHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama is set to address a significant three-day conference of Buddhist leaders this week, coinciding with...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a significant ruling last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for users...
ISTANBUL/PARIS/BRUSSELS: As searing temperatures blanket much of Europe, wildfires are erupting and evacuation orders are being issued...
VENICE, Italy: Over the weekend, hundreds of protesters marched through the narrow streets of Venice to voice their opposition to billionaire...