AFBI welcomes the DAERA’s Response to the Independent Review of AFBI
Date published:
The Agri‑Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) welcomes the publication today of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' (DAERA)’s formal response to the Review of AFBI.
AFBI’s scientific functions remain essential to Northern Ireland’s agri‑food sector, environmental protection, animal and plant health and wider public good. The findings of the review provide assurance that AFBI is delivering its functions in an effective and efficient manner.
Prof Grace Mulcahy AFBI Chair 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.“
AFBI Chief Executive 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 been actively considering the Review's findings and have already commenced work to take forward a number of the recommendations from the Review.
AFBI remains focused on delivering high-quality science and evidence that supports government policy, industry innovation and environmental stewardship. The Institute looks forward to working with DAERA, stakeholders and staff to implement the review recommendations and realise the ambitions set out in AFBI's Science Strategy.
Notes to editors:
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.
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 & 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 strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.
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