AFBI welcomes DUP representatives to its research farm at Hillsborough
Date published:
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) today welcomed a number of DUP representatives to its research farm at Hillsborough. The visit was hosted by AFBI Chief Executive, Dr Stanley McDowell, and Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Director of AFBI Sustainable & Agri-Food Sciences Division.
During the visit, representatives toured the research farm, gaining insight into the current research programmes which have a focus on optimising production efficiency while finding solutions for farmers to address environmental and legislative challenges.
Speaking about the visit, Stanley McDowell said:
“We were delighted to welcome Michelle McIlveen MLA, Carla Lockhart MP and Jonathan Buckley MLA to AFBI Hillsborough. Research undertaken at Hillsborough shapes farming practices, informs policy, and advances the scientific understanding to address the challenges and harness the opportunities within our local agri-food sector, and indeed across the UK, Ireland, and further afield. The work undertaken at the site is crucial to ensuring the sector remains competitive, innovative and successful.”
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.