Following its Annual General Meeting, the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA) has announced the election of Aidan Fisher, Poultry and Aqua Director for Europe and Central Asia at Trouw Nutrition, as its new President.
Aidan succeeds David O’Connor, Managing Director at feed materials importer Cefetra, who steps down after a successful term leading the Association. Supporting Aidan during his presidency will be Vice Presidents Clarence Calderwood, Managing Director of United Feeds Limited, and David O’Connor. Michael McAree of Precision Liquids was re-elected as Honorary Secretary and Debbie Stewart from United Feeds was re-installed as Honorary Treasurer.
Prior to the election of the new officer bearer team, outgoing President David O’Connor delivered his President’s report, reflecting on a year of significant engagement on behalf of NIGTA members. He highlighted the Association’s work on a range of important issues affecting the agri-supply trade, including the Nutrients Action Programme consultation and the subsequent Stakeholder Task and Finish Group, continued uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulations, the threat of tariffs and retaliatory trade defence measures, and the implications of the recent conflict in the Middle East.
David also reflected on a milestone year for the Association, marking the 60th anniversary of NIGTA. This was celebrated with a special anniversary lunch in December which brought together members and past presidents to commemorate the Association’s history and its long-standing contribution to the animal feed and fertiliser trade in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on his election, Aidan Fisher said he was honoured to take on the role. “It is a great privilege to be elected as President of NIGTA, and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead. I would like to thank the outgoing President, David O’Connor, for his leadership and dedication to the Association. I also want to pay tribute to the NIGTA CEO, Executive and the wider membership for their continued support and engagement.”
Following the AGM, members heard from Mark Horton MBE, All-Ireland Director for The Rivers Trust, who provided an excellent overview of the organisation’s work and its Sustainable Catchments Programme.
Through the programme, the charity provides free, confidential and non-regulatory advice to landowners and farmers on practical steps they can take to reduce the impact of their farming operations on water quality. Through a whole-farm approach, one of seven advisers works directly with the farmer to walk the farm, identify opportunities to improve water protection and develop tailored, co-designed solutions that also support the farm business. A detailed plan is then agreed outlining the measures to be taken, after which farmers can apply for funding from The Rivers Trust, which it receives from DAERA, to carry out the work required. Once implemented, the improvements are inspected and verified before payment is made.
Mark Horton shared a number of practical examples from farms involved in the programme, including yard improvements that help separate clean and dirty water, and field measures such as fencing to create buffer zones to protect watercourses, as well as farmland and livestock. The initiative focuses on practical, win–win solutions that benefit both the farm business and the wider water environment.
The programme has already received positive feedback from participating farmers and has demonstrated measurable improvements in water quality. Plans are now underway to scale up the catchment-based approach to other areas across Northern Ireland, including additional rivers in the Lough Neagh basin as part of the Lough Neagh Action Plan published by Minister Muir.
Across Northern Ireland, NIGTA member companies play an important role in supporting farm businesses through the provision of high-quality feed, fertiliser and professional technical advice. Our feed and fertiliser advisers are a trusted source of guidance at farm level, working closely with farmers to help them make informed decisions that support both productivity and environmental responsibility. That trusted relationship and the practical advice provided by advisers on the ground will continue to be an important part of the industry’s contribution to a sustainable and competitive agri-food sector.
