Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched
today by DAERA Minister .
Entitled, ‘Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for
change' the strategy has as its key aim making Northern Ireland a
world leader in sustainable, heathy and nutritious food.
The Executive approved strategic Framework sets the long-term
direction and presents a new whole of government approach around
food to deliver better outcomes for Northern Ireland, transform
our food system for future generations and help position Northern
Ireland as the home of sustainable food.
Speaking at the launch during a visit to Carrick Greengrocers in
Carrickfergus, Minister Muir commented: “The Framework recognises
the interconnectedness between food, health, the economy and the
environment.
“From obesity, food poverty and waste to climate change and
biodiversity loss, the food we produce and eat is a major factor
in some of the greatest problems facing Northern Ireland. It is
also a vital part of the solutions.”
He added: “My Executive colleagues and I are committed to
focusing our collective efforts to maximise the opportunities our
food system offers to benefit the health, economy and environment
of Northern Ireland and lay the foundations for the generations
to come.
“This will take time and today is just the start. The Northern
Ireland Food Strategy Framework sets the shared long-term
direction of travel and there is a role for everyone in this
journey. I intend to bring forward an action plan in early 2025,
which will provide more details on how we as government intend to
start the transformation of our food system.”
Minister Muir also praised the work of Carrick Greengrocers who
he described as: “A fantastic example of a community owned
greengrocer, positioned within the centre of Carrickfergus,
making a real impact supplying local people with nutritious,
local, in season food. It is important that we all value our food
and where it comes from and I would like to pay tribute to all
our food heroes, who grow, produce and make our food and I look
forward to the next steps we take together to shape a better
tomorrow.”
The NI Food Strategy
Framework.
Notes to editors:
- A public consultation on the Draft Food Strategy Framework
was launched in September 2021 with 63 responses received.
- Carrick Greengrocers is a community owned greengrocers in
Carrick town centre, selling locally grown fruit and veg
alongside other produce from further afield, with lots of other
locally made goods and treats.
