AFBI Showcases the impact of its Science at this year’s Balmoral Show

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is gearing up for another busy Balmoral Show as it prepares to showcase its cutting-edge research in the areas of sustainable and prosperous farming systems, enhancing the environment and the protection of animal, plant, and human health, through the various feature displays on its stand.

Running from 14-17 May 2025, the four-day show provides AFBI with a unique platform to connect with the general public as well as farmers of all generations, industry leaders, and families to learn more about how AFBI’s work underpins many aspects of Northern Ireland’s farming industry as well as the wider economy while also promoting healthy environments and ecosystems on land and in the water.

With sustainability a key focus of this year’s stand, the AFBI team will be available to discuss the breadth and depth of AFBI’s science and how it is impacting across Northern Ireland.

Commenting ahead of the show AFBI’s Professor Elizabeth Magowan, who oversees AFBI’s sustainable farming systems research, said, “The Balmoral Show provides the perfect platform to engage with a wide range of AFBI’s stakeholders from across Northern Ireland and beyond.  The AFBI team get a lot of value from the many discussions that take place with our farming community and the wider community who attend the show.  We often learn as much from the folk that visit the stand as they learn from us. Our presence at the show reflects our ongoing and unwavering commitment to advancing farming systems which are both prosperous as well as environmentally responsible, through science, knowledge exchange and collaboration. We have a packed schedule this year and the team is looking forward to meeting and engaging with the general public and those with an interest in food production and the wider rural environment.”

Throughout the four days of the show, a model farm of the future will be on display supported by researchers working on sustainable farming practices representing soil health, grassland and arable systems, livestock production and slurry management. 

There will also be a number of key features, such as, on Wednesday 14th May, visitors to the AFBI stand will hear from AFBI’s Entomologists and have the opportunity to engage in a live microscope experience offering a close-up look at insects of interest and importance to biodiversity and plant health. Visitors will also have the opportunity to speak to AFBI Virologists and get an in-depth look at interactive models integrating data from US cattle studies.

Thursday’s ‘Grass Breeding Focused Day’ is set to spotlight the important work of AFBI Loughgall’s research on breeding the next generation of new perennial ryegrass (PRG) varieties which are fit to adapt to the changing weather patterns we are starting to experience while also maximising productivity.  Visual displays demonstrating the differences in grass varieties and their root structures will showcase this work and offer insights into sustainable land management practices.

On Friday, AFBI Fisheries will take centre stage with live ship mapping, buoy data and drone footage on display. AFBI’s strategic partnership with Queen’s University Belfast will also be of focus through the presentation of a series of technical showcases.

On Saturday 17^th AFBI’s microbiological scientists will have an exhibit on antimicrobial resistance.

You can visit AFBI at the Balmoral Show within the Governments Department Exhibition in the Eikon Shopping Village.

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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