New Minister outlines farming vision at Balmoral

Date: 11/5/2006
Source: DARD Reporter

David Cairns, the new Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), today took up his first engagement under his agricultural and rural development brief.

The Minister visited the Balmoral Show to meet at first hand, members of the farming and rural community.

He said "The Balmoral Show is an excellent early opportunity for me to see farming in all its different dimensions. My priority is to familiarise myself with the all the issues at the top of the agriculture agenda in Northern Ireland and I look forward to meeting our industry partners shortly."

"I want to work with the farming community to help the industry maximise its potential. Farming impacts on us all, whether urban or rural dweller. We all share the legacy and the responsibility of ensuring that the land provides sustainable livelihoods, protected for future generations."

"Of course, the farming industry is part and parcel of the agri food sector, an industry which employs over 50,000 people. Helping this sector protect and expand its remit is also part of my role".

"In addition, my department is actively involved in rural development. Rural life encompasses a wide range of issues and topics. Ensuring that people in rural areas have options, in some cases beyond farming is a challenge which I am looking forward to."

David Cairns said it was very positive that this years Show was taking place against the background of the recent lifting of the Beef Ban: "For the first time in a decade, Northern Ireland beef is back on the menu in Europe. Obviously this opens up many opportunities for local farmers. I will work with the farming community in maximising the opportunities for new markets, whilst also ensuring that firm biosecurity arrangements are in place."

"Balmoral is an excellent opportunity for me not only to see the best in Northern Irelands farming and rural economy, but also to meet and talk with the people who are closely involved in working in it."

The Minister was joined by Jeff Rooker, former Northern Ireland Farming Minister, who was bidding farewell at Balmoral. The former Minister wished the farming and rural community well as he handed over his agricultural and rural development brief. Jeff Rooker is now Minister of State for DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).