The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) has kickstarted a campaign to highlight the key role played by the organisation in Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector
The imitative was launched against the backdrop of Balmoral Show 2026.
At its heart is a review of the myriad activities undertaken by LMC. But it also asks the question: how can the scope of the organisation’s services be built upon to meet the future needs of a fast-changing beef and lamb sector?
And at the very heart of this issue lies the important matter of LMC being funded appropriately.
The organisation’s chief executive, Colin Smith, explained.
“We need a sustainable funding model for the future. And this is an issue that we hope to discuss with all relevant stakeholder bodies during the period ahead.
“It will be part of an engagement that looks at the tremendous opportunities that exist to widen the footprint of Northern Ireland’s beef and lamb sectors.”
The Balmoral launch event provided Commission chair, Joe Stewart with an opportunity to reflect on the range of services provided by the organisation.
He added: “Our core objective at all times is to add value to the levy monies secured from farmers and processors.
“And we will continue to build on this for the future.”
Core services
Courtesy of his presentation, Colin Smith reflected on those core services that have characterised the work carried out by LMC.
These include the continuing evolution of the Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (NIBLFQAS) and the role it plays in securing the support of retailers throughout the UK.
Another key facet of the work undertaken by the commission, according to Smith, is that of finding new export markets for farm quality assured beef and lamb while, at the same time, working closely with consumers throughout Northern Ireland.
And adding to all of this has been the unique impact made by the LMC’s schools campaign.
“We are currently delivering 600 school cookery demonstrations, communicating the benefits of farm quality assured beef and lamb to approximately 15,000 children on an annual basis,” Smith said.
“And, in addition, we are working with teachers across Northern Ireland, helping to boost their nutritional knowledge and the cooking skills associated with beef and lamb.
“These are challenging times for farmers in Northern Ireland.
“However, the beef and lamb sector has an extremely positive story to tell: one that will resonate with consumers both here in Northern Ireland and further afield.”