Introducing AFBI

AFBI logo

The Agri-Food and BioSciences Institute (AFBI) is a leading provider of scientific research and services to government, non-governmental organisations and commercial organisations. We are sponsored by our key stakeholder, the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Our customers include a range of local, national and international commercial companies, Northern Ireland and UK Departments, Agencies and associated bodies in the European Union.

As a leading institute of research, we tackle the complex challenges of our industry through purpose-driven science. We are a community with a common goal: to leave the world better than we found it. Are we ambitious? Definitely. Are our ambitions achievable? Absolutely. AFBI has been defying scientific boundaries to create measurable, scalable and enduring solutions to agri-food and marine science complexities in Northern Ireland - and beyond - since 2006.

AFBI has 7 sites across Northern Ireland;

  • Newforge Lane (Headquarters),
  • Stormont,
  • Hillsborough,
  • Crossnacreevy,
  • Loughgall,
  • Omagh
  • Bushmills,

    Plus the RV Corystes: a 53m dedicated marine research vessel based in the Port of Belfast.

AFBI was created on 1st April 2006 by joining the Science Service of the then Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ARINI).

AFBI's NDPB status enables it to be innovative and entrepreneurial in its approach to business development.  AFBI is forging new partnerships with other scientific institutes and research organisations and extending the range of services it offers.  This enables AFBI’s unique breadth of scientific capabilities in the areas of agriculture, animal health, food, environment and biosciences to be offered to a wider prospective national and international customer base.

AFBI is managed by an independent Board which is also responsible for monitoring its performance.

Further information on the legislation behind the creation of AFBI can be viewed: The Agriculture (Northern Ireland) Order 2004

Tender opportunities within AFBI

Please View the current tender opportunities within AFBI.