AFBI Survey – Northern Ireland Farmers, what makes you proud about your farm?

AFBI has launched a survey asking farmers to tell them what makes them proud about farming.

At a time when agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges, we want to hear from farmers in Northern Ireland: big, small, livestock, horticulture, pigs, poultry, arable, a mix of any or all of the above. If you are an active farmer, please complete our short survey!  As a thank you, we have ten £100 vouchers to be won which can be used at a wide range of shops and online (Full list of shops and online outlets).

Diane Burgess, who leads on the survey, says:

“We want to listen to farmers, the people that feed Northern Ireland and beyond and shape the landscape.  We want to hear what is special about their farms and farming, not just look at numbers on a computer screen.”

This is an opportunity for farmers to tell us what makes them proud to be a farmer, plus what is worrying them about farming now, and in the future?  We are also keen to understand how farmers make decisions in this changing world: do they seek information from their friends and family, refer to DAERA/CAFRE advisors, or listen to environmental groups who have begun to work with farmers?

We want to hear from farmers to find out what they are doing to help Northern Ireland’s environment, recognising their skills and ability to make positive changes.  Do farmers need support to make these changes?  Where do farmers go to find this support or advice?

We are asking for farmers to inform us, to tell us what is unique about their farms and what makes them special.  While we have tried to make it easy to complete by including some suggested options to tick, we have provided lots of space for farmers to add their own thoughts and help us to understand what m atters specifically to them and their farm.

This survey is being funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.  It is an important survey which has the potential to shape DAERA policy going forward.  The survey is available both online and in paper format with prepaid return postage.  To take part in the survey online please visit: www.afbini.gov.uk/FarmSurvey or scan this QR code with your smartphone:

If farmers would prefer a paper copy, they can either email or write to us with their name and address and we will post a survey to them:

email - FarmSurvey@afbini.gov.uk
post – AFBI Economics, 18a Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5PX

Notes to editors: 

Link to the survey: www.afbini.gov.uk/FarmSurvey  

AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.

AFBI’s Purpose is “To deliver trusted, independent research, statutory and surveillance science and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments”.

AFBI’s core areas:

• Leading improvements in the agri-food industry.
• Protecting animal, plant and human health.
• Enhancing the natural and marine environment.

All enquires to FarmSurvey@afbini.gov.uk

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