Supporting NI Grain Trade Association members through a difficult trading environment and lobbying for an improvement in product prices to reflect the increased cost of livestock production are just two of the major items that NIGTA has been working on in 2012.
Speaking at the Association's quarterly meeting the newly appointed Chief Executive, Robin Irvine, told members that he intended to continue this work and his appointment was evidence of NIGTA's commitment to be an effective voice for the industry. Robin welcomed David Caffall, the Chief Executive of Agriculture Industries Confederation (AIC), NIGTA's affiliated organisation, to the meeting, and expressed thanks for the support and lobbying in London and Brussels which gave NIGTA an opportunity to make its voice heard throughout Europe.
Commenting on the ground work which had already been carried out on the financial situation in the farming and agri supply industry through a presentation to the Agriculture Committee of the Assembly and MEPs, "We have had a series of joint meetings with the UFU and the major banks and have now invited the Minister for Agriculture to meet us regarding the very serious situation in our industry."
He emphasised "The aims and objectives of the Food Strategy Board which the Minister appointed will never be met if we do not have a viable production base. Profitable production at farm level is the first link in the food chain which is so vital to the economy of Northern Ireland"
The effects of new legislation such as the IPPC Regulations and GHG proposals on the smaller animal feed businesses is another area which Robin hopes to concentrate on. He said "A severe regulatory approach is only going to crush businesses, large and small. What we need is the industry working together with regulators, to achieve the objectives in a scientific and practical manner."
Robin went on to say that the Association would also like to assist with developing the role of NI Food Chain Certification in assuring the food and feed chain locally.
Robin added "Safeguarding the food chain is a major priority for us - The implementation of a strategic sampling plan for contaminants has already got under way with the dioxin sampling program now well established. However this is just a first step - in conjunction with Queens University and University College Dublin we are developing a statistically based sampling plan to extend this approach to a range of other contaminants. With businesses working together to take a coordinated approach to managing risk we can bring a much greater level of assurance to the Agrifood industry.
NIGTA's role will also encompass the fertiliser industry which is also facing a heavy burden of additional legislation in the months ahead.
Robin added "My final objective is to recruit membership for NIGTA. While we currently represent around 90% of the compound feed trade in the province, when we lobby we want to represent everyone in the trade, both large and small."
NIGTA Christmas Lunch 2012
