The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has published findings into its activities by two independent panels of external experts.
The Independent Peer Review report is a high powered and extensive review which examined the quality, strategic relevance and impact of AFBI’s scientific work.
This was a follow up to the 2024 DAERA review, which used a local firm of management consultants who examined AFBI’s organisation, governance, effectiveness and strategic direction.
Findings
At a conference in Belfast last Thursday, Dr Iain Williams, the newly appointed CEO at AFBI, laid out the findings of the Peer Review to stakeholders.
He outlined the opportunities for the scientists at AFBI to develop their scientific work in partnership with DAERA, (the department provides 70% to 75% of the funding required for their work) to support agri-food, sustainability, One Health and other issues.
The review recognised the breadth of work carried out by AFBI at its seven sites and highlighted the extensive database of information and results already in existence and which could be developed further.
Scores
Overall, on the scoring system used in the review, all units at AFBI were classed as either “outstanding”, “strong” or “competent”.
However, the review did highlight staff shortages in some disciplines as an issue and ageing infrastructure as a problem (although that doesn’t extend to marine work, with a new research vessel, currently under construction in Spain, due for delivery next year).
Communications
One recommendation which stood out was the need for improved communications via a larger communications team at AFBI. Better communications with stakeholders and with the outside world was needed. This would provide information on the work carried out at AFBI and would deal with the negative press which comes their way from time to time.
Farmers’ Forum
To promote better communications with the farming community AFBI has announced a new initiative, the Farmers’ Forum.
The aim is to strengthen the relationship between AFBI scientists and the farming community.
The Forum will enable farmers to influence research priorities at AFBI and ensure that the research at AFBI addresses practical farming problems.
The Forum will be made up of ten farmers, plus three nominated by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, one from the NI Agricultural Producers’ Association and one from NI Environment Link.
The Forum will provide farmers with a direct opportunity to influence the direction of AFBI research, particularly in the areas of dairy, beef, sheep, grassland, soils and nutrient management.
The closing date for expressions of interest to the AFBI Farmers’ Forum was Friday 30 October.
“AFBI is now reviewing the expressions of interest. Once this process is complete, we will share more information about the forum, including its membership, chair, and the details of the first meeting,” confirmed an AFBI spokesperson.
