AFSB extended until May 2017

The Agri-Food Strategy Board (AFSB) has received another extension, this time for a short period, until 31 May 2017.

Making the announcement last week, Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen and Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said it was to allow further progress to be made on actions arising out of the Going for Growth report, originally published in May 2013.

In particular, there are two main issues still to be taken forward – a new industry-led marketing body to promote NI agri-food and a livestock genetics data hub to deliver long term genetic improvement in the NI beef, sheep and dairy industry.

Work is continuing to develop a business case to put to government for possible funding.

The AFSB, chaired by Tony O’Neill, the deputy chief executive of Dunbia, was established in May 2012, initially for a three-year period, to run until February 2015. The first extension, granted by government ministers, was for two years, to 19 February 2017.

Changes in agricultural banking in NI

There have been changes in the agricultural departments in two of the main farming banks in NI in recent weeks.

William Thompson has moved from head of agriculture to head of consumer banking at the Bank of Ireland UK. He has been head of agriculture for the past five years and has worked in various roles within the bank since 1996.

Fermanagh man Richard Primrose is taking over as head of agriculture in the interim period until a permanent replacement is found.

Meanwhile, Dankse Bank’s John Henning has retired from the banking sector. He has worked at Dankse Bank, formerly Northern Bank, since 1978 and has been head of agricultural relations for the past five years.