DAERA Minister Andrew Muir addresses attendees at the NI Farming Awards 2024. The awards were held at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on 9 October.
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00:00Thank you, Adrian and Ruth. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and colleagues, good
00:13evening and welcome to the North Maryland Farming Awards, which are now in their 13th
00:18year. And it's an excuse for me to come along, and yet again, we're at Dickeyville, and put
00:22in a bit more of a formal surroundings here tonight. And it's a real pleasure to be with
00:27you all this evening. Tonight's event provides a unique opportunity to come together as a
00:32community and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and innovation that drives North
00:38Maryland's agricultural sector forward. These awards are more than just about competition,
00:44they represent an important recognition of the hard work and passion of our farmers,
00:48their families, rural businesses and farming families. Tonight, we celebrate your contributions
00:55to our economy, our environment, and also our society. As Minister of Agriculture,
01:00Environment and Rural Affairs, I'm deeply aware of the vital role that farming plays
01:05in Northern Ireland, it's an intrinsic part of what makes Northern Ireland. From food production
01:10and environmental stewardship, to rural development and community resilience,
01:14the impact of your work is felt in every corner of Northern Ireland. Agriculture makes a
01:19significant contribution to Northern Ireland's economy. In 2023, Northern Ireland's agriculture
01:25had a gross output of 2.87 billion and a gross value added of 699 million, with the wider agri-food
01:33sector supporting employment of around 85,000 people across the region. However, beyond the
01:38numbers, farming is woven into the very fabric of our communities. It sustains rural livelihoods,
01:44preserves our landscapes and ensures food security for our people. Farmers in Northern
01:49Ireland have always demonstrated incredible resilience, adapting to changing market and
01:54environmental conditions and also policy shifts. Your ability to innovate, diversify and continue
02:01to deliver excellence is what makes this sector so remarkable. Tonight's awards reflect that
02:07excellence. They recognise not only the best farmers and farming businesses, but also the
02:12talent, entrepreneurship and innovation that are helping to shape the future of agriculture
02:18in Northern Ireland. Innovation and diversification are key themes that run through tonight's event.
02:24The finalists and winners we celebrate this evening embody the spirit of innovation,
02:29diversification and sustainability, which are essential for the sector's continued success.
02:35As Minister, I am committed to supporting the future of farming. My department's new
02:40programme of farm support and development is being co-designed with the industry and
02:44other key stakeholders to target farm support to meet the bespoke needs of Northern Ireland.
02:50The overall objective of the programme is to produce a transition to a more sustainable
02:55farming sector, to seek and implement policies and strategies that benefit our climate and
03:00environment, whilst very importantly supporting our economically and socially significant agri-food
03:06sector. I am also committed to fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging the adoption
03:11of new technologies and supporting farmers in diversifying their operations should they choose
03:16to do so. In an increasingly competitive global market, innovation is absolutely essential
03:22for enhancing productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability of our farming sector.
03:27Whether it's precision farming, digital agriculture or advances in genetics and breeding,
03:32we need to embrace new ways of thinking and working. But innovation isn't just about technology,
03:38it's also about business models, product development and value-added services.
03:42No doubt some of you here tonight will have successfully diversified your farming business,
03:46whether through farm shops, renewable energy projects, agritourism or artisan food production.
03:53By doing so, you are not only boosting your own profitability but also contributing to the
03:57vibrancy of our rural economy. Alongside innovation and diversification, sustainability
04:03must be at the heart of everything we do. Our farmers are custodians of our landscapes and
04:07natural resources. You manage 75% of our land area and the choices you make have a profound
04:13impact on our environment. I know that many are already leading the way in sustainable farming
04:18practices through, for example, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil health, enhancing
04:24biodiversity or adopting renewable energy solutions. But as we face the present challenges
04:29of climate change, we must all step up our efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient
04:34agriculture sector and protect our planet. The Northern Ireland Executive, of which I'm proud
04:39to be part of, has recently published a draft program for government and I'm pleased that one
04:43of the three key missions is climate. We'll have a role to play in protecting our planet.
04:48We therefore encourage you all to be part of the wider conversation and to respond to the
04:52consultation on the draft program for government. Furthermore, the Executive has recently approved
04:58my department's first environmental improvement plan. In Northern Ireland we face a range of
05:02environmental challenges including habitat and species loss, greenhouse gas emissions, water and
05:07air and soil quality, development and circular economy, waste management and more. It keeps me
05:12busy. When it comes to our environment, maintaining the status quo is not an option. We all have a
05:17collective responsibility to deliver the change urgently required and the environmental improvement
05:22plan sets out an important framework and baseline for action to protect our environment. The
05:28Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is working closely with the farming community
05:32to support the transition to more sustainable practices through the introduction of our new
05:37Farm Support and Development Programme. Our goal is to create a future where farming can be both profitable
05:42and environmentally sustainable. I believe that farmers have a crucial role to play in tackling
05:47climate change and protecting our natural environment and DARA will be with you every step
05:52of the way as we work towards these goals together. As we recognise the incredible achievements of
05:58tonight's finalists and winners, I want to emphasise how proud you should be. You represent the very best
06:04of Northern Ireland's farming industry. Your commitment to excellence, your passion for what you do
06:09and your ability to adapt and innovate in the face of change. The farming awards are not just a
06:14celebration of success, they're an inspiration for the next generation of farmers. In an era where
06:20we're working hard to encourage young people to enter the sector, your achievements send a powerful
06:25message that farming is a dynamic, rewarding and forward-thinking industry with a bright future.
06:31In conclusion, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists
06:36and also the winners tonight. Your dedication, your hard work and leadership are an inspiration
06:41to us all. Thank you for your contributions to our farming sector and thank you for your unwavering
06:46commitment to excellence. As we look to the future, DARA will continue to work alongside you,
06:51supporting innovation, encouraging diversification and promoting sustainability. Together I am
06:56confident that we can ensure a bright future for farming in Northern Ireland, one that's resilient,
07:01competitive and sustainable for generations to come. Enjoy the rest of your evening and in conclusion
07:06I just want to say thank you to everyone here and within the farming community for the welcome
07:10that they've given to me as Minister, the respect that they've shown and the constructive attitude
07:14that is given. There's many examples across Northern Ireland we should be extremely proud of.
07:19When I go to other parts of the UK, Ireland and beyond, we've got a story to tell which
07:23is very positive and we should celebrate that tonight. Thank you.