Muir showcases NI agri-food produce at Brussels St. Patrick’s Day event

Dual access to markets in the European Union and Great Britain is a huge advantage for agri-food producers in Northern Ireland, according to Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir.

At the start of a two-day visit to Belgium and the Netherlands, Minister Muir told the Northern Ireland Executive Office’s annual ‘Ulster Fry for St. Patrick’s Day’ breakfast in Brussels that Northern Ireland is “incredibly fortunate” to have a world class agri-food sector with access to both markets.

The minister also stressed the importance of strengthening ties with the EU as a “longstanding and trusted” trading partner and he also expressed hope that the NI agri-food sector would be further boosted by the UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agri-food and drink agreement.

Minister Muir told over 200 guests at the networking event showcasing Northern Ireland produce: “Back home, we’re incredibly lucky. We have a long established tradition built upon family farms and innovative artisans, who pour real pride and skill into what they do.

“Whether it’s world-class dairy, award winning meat or innovative new products from businesses that started around a kitchen table, the quality speaks for itself.

“We are also in a unique position. With dual access to both the EU and GB markets, with goods able to freely move into these regions, that’s a huge advantage for our producers and a real opportunity for further growth,” the minister added.

Minister Muir met with many Irish stakeholders in Brussels including the IFA. Image: DAERA X

The minister outlined that he has been actively engaging with the UK government on the UK-EU negotiations and hopes the emerging SPS agri-food and drink arrangements will support smoother movement of agri-food goods across the UK, while maintaining the unfettered access for NI goods to the GB and EU markets.

“I will continue to push the UK government to ensure maximum possible dynamic alignment with the EU and to consider re-joining the EU Customs Union to help boost our economies and ease trade frictions,” Minister Muir continued.

The menu showcasing NI agri-food produce at the networking event in Brussels to mark St. Patrick’s Day. Image: DAERA X

As the minister prepared for a round of meetings with MEPs and diplomats in Brussels, he noted that relations with the EU were “strong and positive” and were bringing real benefits to Northern Ireland.

He added: “The dialogue and partnership we’ve built with our friends and trusted trading partners in the EU, alongside the practical cooperation makes a real difference to the people and businesses we represent built on full, timely, and faithful implementation of our commitments under the Windsor Framework.

“I’m grateful for the spirit of collaboration that underpins that work and for the shared commitment to supporting a thriving, resilient, sustainable and high quality food system in Northern Ireland.”

During his visit, the minister is meeting with Caroline Read, deputy Ambassador of the UK Mission to the EU and Aingeal O’Donoghue, permanent representative of Ireland to the EU.

Minister Muir will travel to the Netherlands tomorrow to meet the Director General for Rural Areas, Nature, and Fisheries Mark Roscam Abbing.

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