Christmas is a time for enjoying the company of friends and catching up with old acquaintances. Members of the Northern Ireland Grain Trade (NIGTA) had a fantastic opportunity to do just that last week as the Association marked its 60th anniversary with a special luncheon, hosted in the exquisite surroundings of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Offices, which were festooned in glittering gold, red and green for the festive season.
The lunch was attended by 20 Past Presidents, including Richard Scott of Scott’s Feeds, an honorary member who attended NIGTA’s very first annual dinner 60 years ago. The event also attracted an excellent turnout of members, who were welcomed by NIGTA President David O’Connor.
In his opening remarks, O’Connor reflected on sixty years of partnership, progress and resilience. “Grain may be our trade — but people are our foundation,” he said, paying tribute to the dedication and stewardship shown by NIGTA’s Past Presidents. “Thank you for your service, your vision, and your steady hands on the tiller.”
As a small token of appreciation, each Past President was presented with a commemorative lapel pin symbolising their contribution to the Association’s development and success.
Looking to the decades ahead, O’Connor added: “Anniversaries often prompt reflection, but they also urge us to think about the future. The next 60 years will bring opportunities we can’t yet imagine and challenges we must be ready to meet. If the past six decades have taught us anything, it is that this industry—our industry—thrives when we stand together, support each other, and continue to raise the bar.”
Strong partnership with Belfast Harbour
Belfast Harbour Chief Executive, Joe O’Neill, reaffirmed the long-standing links between NIGTA and the Harbour, noting the “huge connections historically” between the organisations. He outlined the development of the Harbour and the wharfs that have served the feed and fertiliser trade for generations.
O’Neill also highlighted the draft Belfast Harbour Masterplan 2025–2050, which considers the physical blueprint of the port and future infrastructure requirements — including ongoing investment in facilities to support the grain, feed and fertiliser sectors. Belfast Harbour boasts the largest grain facilities on the island of Ireland with 2.7million tonnes moving through the port last year. O’Neill reiterated the Harbour’s commitment to working closely with NIGTA: “The trade is in good health, and we will continue to support NIGTA and its members for the next 60 years and beyond.”
Reflections on six decades of change
The keynote address was delivered by William Barnett, Chief Executive of W & R Barnett Ltd, one of Northern Ireland’s longest-established grain importers. Barnett reflected on NIGTA’s origins, and his own 25-year career in the animal feed industry, noting that members owe a debt of gratitude to the foresight of the Association’s founders.
NIGTA was founded by four feed and flour millers during an unprecedented boom following the end of rationing. Barnett outlined the many challenges the sector has faced since NIGTA’s formation — from milk quotas and salmonella scares, to BSE, major factory fires, and the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak. He emphasised how the Association played a critical role in helping the industry evolve with scale, efficiency and quality through difficult periods, enabling the quiet, determined growth over the past 25 years.
Barnett also acknowledged the leadership of individual Past Presidents during key moments in the Association’s history. Owen Brennan, who helped NIGTA establish the pioneering Food Fortress programme after the dioxin crisis; and Declan Billington, who worked tirelessly throughout the Brexit negotiations to support the feed trade and wider agri-food sector.
Echoing O’Connor’s remarks, Barnett noted: “NIGTA’s strength has always been its people and its professional, evidence-based approach to supporting stakeholders.”
A fitting celebration
The luncheon concluded with strong camaraderie among members and Past Presidents, underscoring the shared commitment that has carried NIGTA through six decades of change.
NIGTA extends warm Christmas wishes to all of its members and to colleagues across the agri-food industry.
