1 May 2007
The Northern Ireland Red Meat Task Force (DARD, LMC, UFU, NIMEA, Invest NI and NBA) is now set to begin work on developing a long-term strategy for the Northern Ireland beef and sheepmeat industry.
This will commence in May and its approach will be open and consultative. Input from the full range of industry stakeholders is crucial (producers, processors and the market). This phase of the project is due for completion in summer 07. An agreed industry strategy will be formulated along with an implementation plan which will be published in the early autumn 2007. The outcomes will be communicated throughout the industry.
The challenge for the Red Meat Task Force is to determine how a profitable and sustainable industry can be achieved. In Northern Ireland the agri-food sector accounts for almost 5% of the economy and 8% of total employment.
Speaking on behalf of the Task Force, Owen Brennan, Chairman of the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) said: “There is a great deal of knowledge regarding the problems we have in our industry – we now need to find the solution, a solution which will work in our industry environment.”
This process may mean that as an industry we have to face some very difficult decisions, but the thoroughness of the approach taken will ensure decisions are made fully armed with the best strategic thinking.
The consultation will be supported and facilitated by McKinsey & Company, following a competitive tendering process.
To enable all interested parties to keep up to date with the progress of the Task Force a dedicated website will be developed over the next few weeks www.niredmeattaskforce.co.uk
Ends
Notes to editors
The Northern Ireland Red Meat Task Force was formed in 2006. It is made up of representatives from right across the Northern Ireland red meat chain;
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development – DARD
Livestock and Meat Commission – LMC
Ulster Farmers Union – UFU
Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association – NIMEA
National Beef Association – NBA
