The Agri‑Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has welcomed the publication today (Friday, June 12) of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' (DAERA) formal response to the Review of AFBI.
AFBI has said that its scientific functions remain "essential" to Northern Ireland’s agri‑food sector, environmental protection, animal and plant health and wider public good.
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
In considering the review which was carried out by independent consultants, and which was received by DAERA in February 2025, the department has stated today that it has worked with both the AFBI board and the AFBI executive team to consider the report’s findings and recommendations.
The response from DAERA has also been considered in light of issues that have arisen in AFBI in the interim which delayed publication of the report.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir confirmed today that the department is committed to continuing to work closely with AFBI to support and further strengthen its role as the primary provider of research and scientific services for the department.
Minister Muir said: “The publication of the departmental response to the AFBI review is very timely as we work together to deliver a thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable future for agri-food, protect animal and plant health, tackle climate change and improve water and air quality - all of which contribute towards supporting the One Health approach.
“The very nature of this policy landscape means AFBI is a key partner in this work with robust data, science and evidence critical, built upon high standards of professionalism, research integrity, data management, and technical proficiency.
“Continued cooperation will... ensure progress is closely monitored with clear accountability for delivery to ensure we implement the review action plan with tangible improvements to performance, governance and public confidence in the Institute’s important work.”
AFBI review recommendations
While accepting the recommendations on governance and accountability, improving partnership working and ensuring the institute is best placed to deliver high-quality science, research and evidence, Minister Muir confirmed he had decided against changing existing structures but had also not ruled out revisiting these issues in the future.
“Having considered options for the delivery of AFBI functions and services in the review and the disruption associated with wholesale structural change, I have decided not to progress this recommendation at this time," the minister added.
"Work will instead focus on implementing the recommendations from the review."
AFBI has said that the findings of the review provide assurance that AFBI is delivering its functions in an effective and efficient manner.
AFBI chairperson, Prof. Grace Mulcahy said: “The board welcomes DAERA’s response to the Review of AFBI.
"It is particularly important that the review has recognised the critical contribution AFBI makes to Northern Ireland through the delivery of independent science, research, surveillance and diagnostic services, employing a One Health approach across the various areas of its remit.
"We further welcome Minister Muir’s statement confirming DAERA’s commitment to continuing to work closely with AFBI, further strengthening AFBI’s role as primary provider of research and scientific services for the department."
Chief executive officer at the institute, Stanley McDowell added: “AFBI plays a vital role in safeguarding animal and plant health, supporting environmental resilience and underpinning the competitiveness of our agri‑food industry.
"The actions to address the recommendations from the review provide an opportunity to strengthen partnership working between the department and AFBI, to review current commissioning arrangements and to maximise the value and impact of AFBI’s scientific work.”
The AFBI board and executive team have commenced work to take forward a number of the recommendations from the review.