The new Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Michelle McIlveen MLA attended the “AFBI Science making a difference” annual Open Meeting on Thursday 2 June and addressed 120 invited stakeholders from the agri-food industry sector.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister McIlveen outlined the importance of AFBI’s continued innovation, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and delivering improved outcomes for the NI agri-food industry.

Following the Minister, the AFBI Board Chair, Mr. Colm McKenna, welcomed the stakeholders to AFBI Hillsborough. He introduced AFBI's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Prof Elaine Watson, and invited her to address the assembled guests.
Prof Watson thanked everyone for coming, noting that the assembled audience of over 120 illustrated the wide and diverse range of stakeholders that AFBI has due to its multi-disciplinary capability.


She concluded by recognising the Institute’s need to focus on its business development to grow commercial income and looking forward to targeting new potential revenue opportunities.

Presentations from the meeting can be viewed on the AFBI website here
Notes to editors:
AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.
AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.
All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office
Latest news
- Genome science reveals patterns of bTB transmission within and between cattle and badger populations in the TVR zone 31 May 2023
- “I love it and if you were here, you could see why!” Northern Ireland Farmers are telling AFBI what makes them proud about their farms 25 May 2023
- Understanding the ‘N’ game - AFBI investigate nitrogen-use-efficiency on local dairy farms 24 May 2023
- AFBI Grass Open Day - AFBI Loughgall, 21 June 2023 23 May 2023