AQW 31364/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 17/09/2025
Answered On Date: 28/09/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail how the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework Action Plan 2025-27 aims to stimulate economic growth within the food and drink sector in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

My department is working with DAERA to deliver several actions under the Food Strategy Framework Action Plan 2025–27.

This work includes the areas of leadership skills and collaboration within the sector. In addition, through the Agri-Food Manufacturing Sectoral Partnership, apprenticeship programmes are being shaped around employer needs, ensuring relevant skills and knowledge are embedded in the curriculum. Open to individuals aged 16 and over who meet eligibility criteria, current apprenticeship provision spans Levels 2 to 6, supporting career progression and enhancing productivity across the sector.

My department, through Invest NI, also supports food and drink start-up, early stage, locally focused, and businesses seeking to export through a range of supports, in addition to North/South trade assistance from InterTrade Ireland.

This activity is underpinned by my department’s £46m Agri-Food Investment Initiative, which is supporting transformative capital investments across the processing sector – in close alignment with the aims of the Action Plan.