Poultry Sector a 'Key Economic Driver' in Northern Ireland

NORTHERN IRELAND, UK - The poultry sector is key to economic growth in Northern Ireland, agri-food Minister Michelle McIlveen said during a visit to Dungannon-based Moy Park, Europe’s leading poultry producers.
calendar icon 30 September 2016
clock icon 3 minute read

“Poultry producers, and the wider agri-food sector, are important players when it comes to growing our local economy. Looking ahead we know the importance of focusing on improving the quality of Northern Ireland agri-food products rather than focusing on simply improving production levels,” Ms McIlveen said as she met with Janet McCollum, Chief Executive of the billion pound business which employs some 6,400 people in Northern Ireland.

“I will continue to work to deliver growth for the sector including support for companies such as Moy Park by exploring new export markets. Our recently introduced £12 million Sustainable Use of Poultry Litter (SUPL) loan scheme helps develop new sustainable ways to utilise poultry litter and has made good progress thanks to the work of Moy Park in partnership with government,” Ms McIlveen continued.

As well as visiting the factory, the Minister visited nearby farmer Neil Symington who supplies poultry to Moy Park, one of the UK’s top 10 food companies and Northern Ireland’s largest private sector business.

“As global forecasts indicate a growth in demand for poultry meat, it is important for me to meet with Moy Park’s senior management and hear the challenges facing them, and the wider sector, in the months and years ahead," she said.

Ms McIlveen also promised to continue to push for access to China’s markets for poultry meat but stressed that breaking into new markets was often a lengthy process.

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