Receiving an OBE for services to the agri-food industry is chair of the Agri-Food Strategy Board Tony O’Neill. He was appointed to the role in 2012 and the following year the Agri-Food Strategy Board published the Going for Growth strategy for NI agri food.

O’Neill is group deputy chief executive of Dunbia and previous to this was marketing and business development director of Moy Park. Earlier this year, he made controversial remarks by again suggesting that NI only needs 5,000 to 6,000 productive farmers and by criticising the public accounts committee.

Also on the new year honours list is Fermanagh show organiser Ann Orr as she is to receive a BEM for services to the agriculture industry and rural community in Co Fermanagh.

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John McCann of vegetable processing company Willowbrook Foods based near Strangford is to receive an MBE for services to the food industry and community in NI.

Simon Dougan, chef and owner of the Yellow Door Deli based in Portadown, is to receive an MBE for services to hospitality and catering.