The UK’s Advisory Committee on Animal Feedstuffs (ACAF) brought its summer meeting to Queens University Belfast. Normally meeting in London this prestigious group was set up in 1999 to advise on the safety and use of animal feeds, with particular emphasis on protecting human health but also covering new developments and a wide range of contemporary issues.
It is a UK-wide committee made up of independent experts who were appointed by UK agriculture Ministers and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and their visit to Belfast was recognition of the leading position of the feed trade in Northern Ireland in pioneering new standards of food safety and nutrition.
The group had requested a report on the Food Fortress project developed by the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association and this was presented by NIGTA chief Executive, Robin Irvine. He outlined the program of surveillance and testing which helps safeguard the food chain and now covers all the compound feed produced in Northern Ireland. A centrally controlled program of testing for contaminants has massively increased the level of surveillance for dioxins, heavy metals, mycotoxins and pesticides. Results are shared by the membership and key stakeholders including DARD and the Food Standards Agency.
ACAF Chairman, Dr Ian Brown was impressed by the coverage of the scheme and its success in earning a world leading position for the local agri-food sector. He asked that the committee be kept informed on the ongoing development of the Food Fortress.
The committee also heard a presentation provided by Dr Jean Kennedy (Devenish Nutrition) on the potential for enhanced feeds to influence the quality of food and deliver health benefits to the consumer.
Alan Johnston, President of the NI Grain Trade Association was delighted to inform the charity, Rural Support, that the donations from members and guests at NIGTA's 50th Anniversary dinner realised £5000.
A delighted Jude McCann, Development Director with the charity said that this generous donation would assist Rural Support to continue its work in providing individual support and promoting positive mental health and well being in the rural community.
"Our help line which is available from 8.00AM to 11.00PM seven days a week covers financial matters, physical and emotional health, suicide risk and family relationship issues.On behalf of the charity I would like to thank NIGTA for this generous support."
Alan Johnston thanked Rural Support for the valuable work they are doing in the rural community and said that he wished to extend that thanks to all of the guests and members at the NIGTA dinner who had contributed so generously.
At the NIGTA annual general meeting Alan Johnston was re-elected as President and David O’Connor as Vice President.
David Malseed announced his retirement from the post of Honorary Secretary and it was unanimously agreed that his contribution to the Association - as a Past President, Honorary Secretary and Executive Committee member would be missed by the Association.
Patrick McLaughlin was elected as the new Honorary Secretary and Stephen Burrell was re-elected as Honorary Treasurer.
NIGTA Rural Support Meeting March 2015
The recent visit of the new EU Agriculture commissioner to Belfast allowed the opportunity to raise NIGTA’s concerns on a number of issues.
In a question and answer session with businesses in the Agrifood sector we raised the question of official controls and charging for regulation - stressing that more recognition needs to be given to existing schemes run by the industry and that there was the opportunity for regulators and businesses to share information on risk assessment and the results of surveillance and sampling programs. This approach could deliver better value for everyone.
The commissioner responded that he was committed to reduce regulation and that he would be using his best efforts to delay any charging for regulation until the system had been reviewed and streamlined so that controls would be efficient and cost effective.
We raised the issue of environmental regulation and commented that regulators failed to recognise the good work which had been carried out by industry. In particular the massive increase in output from the agrifood sector in Northern Ireland had been achieved with minimal environmental impact and the fact that 80% of this output was consumed outside the province was not fully recognised. The commissioner appeared to be sympathetic to these comments and stressed the need for agriculture to grow and not be penalised by unreasonable regulation.
The commissioner also attended an event hosted by Queens University featuring the work of Moy Park and Devenish Nutrition in developing functional foods which bring health benefits to the consumer. This included a presentation on the Food Fortress program which has been adopted by the local feed industry.
The first NIGTA Trade Awareness Course has been fully subscribed and interest from members is such that a second course will be planned for later in the summer.
If you wish to send delegates to this event please let us know and we will try to organise it to suit the businesses involved.
The NI Grain Trade Association celebrated its 50th annual dinner with the appointment of four new honorary members.
NIGTA President, Alan Johnston is pictured centre with from left: David Malseed, Patrick Montgomery, Richard Scott and Robert Barnett.
NIGTA's 50th Annual Dinner
Congratulations to Owen Brennan on receiving the Belfast Telegraph Cup.
Owen is a long time member of our executive committee and has served three terms as President of NIGTA. The award is made for outstanding achievement in the agri food sector and was presented to Owen at the Ulster Farmers Union annual dinner.
Making the announcement, UFU President Ian Marshall said “From starting life on a small family farm in Carlow to heading up the multi-national company, Devenish Nutrition, trading in 25 countries worldwide, with a turnover of £150 million and 350 staff, Owen is a stalwart of Northern Ireland’s agri food industry.
“His vision, co-operation and interest in the future of the agri-food industry are what make him and his business unique. His investment in research facilities and his willingness to give personal support to progress the agri food industry are also widely recognised.
“Owen also gives up his time freely to any projects that will benefit the agri-food industry. He has served as President of the NI Grain Trade Association, chairman of the Livestock and Meat Commission and currently he is a member of the Agri-Food Strategy Board, Based on this resume I cannot think of a more deserving winner for this year’s Belfast Telegraph Cup.”
The wide range of support services, and the groups and individuals that have been assisted by Rural Support were outlined by Jude McCann, Development Director, Rural Support, at the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association’s recent annual general meeting and lunch.
Jude pointed out that Rural Support had 33 volunteers who assisted with a very wide range of problems for farming and rural families across all of Northern Ireland. There is a helpline available from 8.00AM to 11.00PM seven days a week with voicemail and support options available at all other times. It offers a listening ear and signposting service for issues such as farming information and technical queries, financial matters, physical and emotional health, suicide risk and family /relationship issues.
Jude emphasised that Rural Support's vision is to contribute to a healthy, sustainable rural community by providing individual support and promoting positive mental health and well-being. He added “We provide confidential non-judgemental support to farmers and rural dwellers. At present 33 volunteers give their time, knowledge, expertise and experience to those who require it. They undertake helpline cover, finance mentoring, work/life balance guidance, counselling, promotion and outreach.”
The key drivers of rural stress have been identified as; 1) Shifting Policies and Financial Pressures, 2) Instability, Risk and Uncertainty, 3) Increasing Isolation and Service Provision and 4)Family Pressures.
A review of helpline calls revealed that almost 40% of callers highlighted Farm Finance and Debt issues as the main reason for calling. Other reasons included relationship problems, mental health issues, paperwork, government schemes, inheritance and succession, health and isolation. More recent issues emanating from CAP reform have added to some of the problems.
Volunteers are matched to the person, group and problem eg. Rural Support has nine finance mentors who assist with financial problems. Jude added “ Rural Support can claim to have saved lives, marriages and businesses in addition to helping callers find a better quality of life.”
Alan Johnston, President of NIGTA thanked Jude for his time and excellent presentation and announced that Rural Support is the chosen charity for support at NIGTA’s annual dinner in April.
At the annual general meeting Alan Johnston was re-elected as President and David O’Connor as Vice President. David Malseed announced his retirement from the post of Honorary Secretary and it was unanimously agreed that his contribution to the Association - as a Past President, Honorary Secretary and Executive Committee member would be missed by the Association. Patrick McLaughlin was elected as the new Honorary Secretary and Stephen Burrell was re-elected as Honorary Treasurer.
NIGTA Rural Support Meeting March 2015
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