Sofina Foods CEO Delivers 2026 George Scott Robertson Memorial Lecture
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At the 2026 George Scott Robertson Memorial Lecture in Riddel Hall recently, Ash Amirahmadi, CEO of Sofina Foods Europe, shared thoughtful perspectives on the future of food and farming, including challenges to established practices and ways of thinking.
The annual event is a significant fixture in the Northern Ireland agricultural industry calendar, bringing together leaders from across the agri‑food supply chain to explore the future of farming, food production and rural sustainability. The lecture honours George Scott Robertson, Queen’s first Professor of Agricultural Chemistry. Robertson later became Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and was instrumental in establishing the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ARINI), which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
In a thought-provoking address, Mr Amirahmadi described Northern Ireland’s agri‑food sector as a “powerhouse”, emphasising the fundamental importance of food security, economic resilience and sustainable growth. He set out four strategic priorities he believes to be essential to secure the sector’s long‑term success.
Strengthening sector identity and attracting talent
He urged the industry to modernise how the food and farming sector communicates its identity and purpose. Highlighting significant labour challenges, he argued that the industry offers meaningful careers that make a tangible difference but must present itself in a way that appeals to new and diverse talent.
Reframing the role of farmers
Challenging prevailing narratives, he stressed that “there is no food system without farmers” and that they must be recognised as central to climate and environmental solutions. While technological advances such as AI will enhance productivity and efficiency, he noted that they will not replace the fundamental role of farmers.
Balancing production with environmental ambition
Mr Amirahmadi questioned policies that remove land from food production without a clear systems-based approach calling for multifunctional land‑use models that support food production, environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability
Driving innovation for sustainable growth
He highlighted innovation as essential to keeping food affordable, accessible and sustainable, stressing the need for a collaborative shift in mindset across the UK food system.
In Conclusion
Drawing the lecture to a close, Mr Amirahmadi was upbeat, stating that, in his opinion, the future of food and farming was bright and with a change in mindset, the drive to deliver vital food security presents a huge opportunity for the industry.
More photos from the event here
Notes to editors:
The 2026 Annual George Scott Robertson Memorial Lecture drew attendees from farming, industry, academia, government and finance - demonstrating the cross-sector partnerships required to secure a resilient, competitive and sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s agri‑food sector. It was supported by The Gibson Trust, and hosted in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, the Agri‑Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).
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.