Northern Irish pork industry launches 'buy local' drive

Consumers in Northern Ireland are being urged to make buying local pork a priority. They are being urged by the Northern Ireland Pork and Bacon Forum to buy NI 'Assured Origin' pork in a bid to sustain the pig farming sector which supports over 400 farming families and 2,000 local jobs. The call comes following a "challenging" year with falling prices set to continue, according to Deirdre McIvor, chief executive of the NI Pork and Bacon Forum which represents the local pigmeat industry. "A variety of global market factors have resulted in difficult trading conditions - cheaper imports are coming into Northern Ireland which are creating a very challenging environment for producers and processors," she says. "It is more important than ever that consumers buy Northern Ireland pork, as not only are they buying a product which has been produced to the highest quality standards in Europe, but they are helping to support our economy which includes our pig producers and thousands of people who are employed throughout the industry supply chain." A 'buy local' campaign last year was supported by high profile retailers including Tesco, Lidl, Asda and Spar. They all committed to stocking products carrying the 'Assured Origin' label - and this year the forum aims to continue that engagment with retail partners to "further champion Northern Ireland pork". The new 2016 campaign links in with Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink and kicked off with a series of cookery videos on social media showcasing recipes designed to encourage consumers to cook with 'Assured Origin' products. "The videos offer a range of recipes and are designed to demonstratethat pork is a tasty and nutritious meal," Ms McIvor adds. "Northern Ireland pork is a wholesome product produced to exceptional standards; it's a lean meat which provides an excellent source of protein and, as our videos demonstrate, is versatile and convenient, especially for busy families." Although facing "challenging market conditions", she adds the industry was constantly evolving and looking at ways to improve and develop its offering. "We continue to face these challenges head-on and we hope that the people of Northern Ireland will continue to support our local pig farmers and processors," she says. "The best way to do that is by purchasing local products bearing the 'Assured Origin' label." Northern Ireland Food and Drink companies are also celebrating the regions pure, natural, quality food and drink in 2016, with a seriesof local, national, and international promotional events.