A FORUM bringing together those involved in the supply chain of food in Northern Ireland will help farmers get a "fair price for produce", the agriculture minister has said.
Michelle O'Neill said she her department was close to establishing such a forum in the wake of the latest farming crisis.
She met with retailers last week and t old them: "All parts of the supply chain must work together in a collaborative and co-ordinated way to address the current difficulties facing our industry".
Speaking after the meeting the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) and the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, the minister said she was "acutely aware of the difficulties facing our farmers at present and the significant role agriculture plays in our local economy".
"I will continue to promote and champion our local industry, and I believe that a profitable and sustainable local industry can only be achieved if farmers see a fair return for their produce," she said.
“I am committed to improving the supply chain and I’m working to establish a forum that includes all elements of the supply chain, which will consider how best to develop a strong, sustainable agri-food supply chain and which I believe will encourage greater fairness, transparency and communication."
Moves to set up the forum where welcomed by retail representatives.
NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts said: "The establishment of a supply chain forum bringing together producers, processors and retailers has been a long term NIIRTA objective. It is vital that we have a single and effective supply chain which improves communication and promotes stronger partnership
“We look forward to meeting next month to discuss the Forum in greater detail with colleagues from the agri-food sector. It is our view that the Dard minister or her permanent secretary should chair the new forum."
Mr Roberts said next year's designation as the north's Year of Food and Drink provided a "fantastic opportunity" for the agri-food sector.
"At the meeting we also discussed the need for a more effective approach to the regeneration of our villages and the key role our members play in supporting their community infrastructure," he added.
“Supporting rural retailers is big priority for NIIRTA and we outlined the need for a Rural Rate Relief Scheme to give further support to these vital businesses.”
