Research initiative will boost Northern Irish food
Food and drink in Northern Ireland, already the region's biggest industry, is set to benefit from a £30 million research centre to be developed by Queen's University in Belfast.
The state-of-the-art research centre will build on the success of the existing Institute for Global Security, a unique institute which is pioneering work on food security systems.
The institute is headed by Professor Chris Elliott and has won recognition worldwide for its expertise on food issues. The work of the institute has achieved a number one ranking in the UK.
Prof Elliott, who advised the UK government during the recent 'horsegate' crisis, says: "Obviously, we want to build on this standing for the future. Our objectives are to make a real difference when it comes to addressing the challenge of feeding the extra two billion people that will make up the world's population in just 30 years' time.
"There is also the challenge in delivering lifelong health benefits."
While acknowledging that the institute will seek to work on projects with a truly international perspective, Prof Elliott says it will have a proactive role in working with local agri-food businesses.
"The fundamental challenge facing agriculture in Northern Ireland is that of developing a sustainable future against a backdrop of markets that are becoming truly international.
"As a consequence, we must produce food or greater quality. In addition, the farming and food industries must become more consumer focused."
The institute is at the heart of Northern Ireland's 'Food Fortress' strategy and has contributed to the region's standing a having developed a best in class animal feed traceability and insurance scheme. Almost 100 per cent of feed tonnage here is now covered by this scheme.