Enhancing sustainability within NI agri food sector key focus of AFBI Science Outlook Conference ‘Carbon and Beyond’
Date published:
Innovations to enhance the local agri-food industry, the role of animal health in achieving our environmental goals and best practice to optimise ecosystem services from our land and seas were key areas discussed at the recent Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Science Outlook Conference ‘Carbon and Beyond’.
Hosted by AFBI CEO Dr Stanley McDowell, the first in-person conference in over three years took place over three sessions at the Hilton Hotel Templepatrick. Throughout the day sector leaders, civil servants and policy makers including DAERA’s Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey gathered to hear from some of AFBI’s leading scientists and internationally renowned specialists on a range of relevant industry topics and issues.
Keynote speakers included Sinead Waters, (Teagasc & Bioscience Research Department), speaking on the evaluation and development of feed additives to reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants, Philip Skuce (Moredun Research Institute) covering the role of animal health in our environmental footprint, and Lisa Norton (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) focusing on holistic thinking when approaching the future of farming and the environment.
Speaking at the conference Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division said “Against the backdrop of global and local challenges, the need for us to actively harmonise the relationship between our agri food industry and our environmental and societal health has never been greater. Working in collaboration with industry, government, academic colleagues and partners, AFBI is uniquely placed to contribute to meeting these ongoing challenges and today’s conference was an opportunity to hear the latest scientific developments, knowledge and insights from the professionals that will shape the future of the local and global agri-food industry and our environment.”
As an internationally recognised centre for innovation in agri-food and biosciences, AFBI is committed to using scientific excellence to advance the local and global agri-food sector through high quality and locally relevant scientific research.
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