Minister Andrew Muir launches first NI Food Action Plan at Balmoral Show

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and local chef Paula McIntyre are pictured launching the NI Food Strategy Framework’s two-year Action Plan on behalf of the NI Executive at the Balmoral Show 2025.

Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector marked a significant milestone today as DAERA Minister Andrew Muir officially launched the first NI Food Strategy Framework Action Plan at the RUAS Balmoral Show.

Unveiled during the Food NI breakfast event, the two-year Action Plan outlines a bold, collaborative roadmap for transforming the region’s food system.

Backed by the Northern Ireland Executive, the plan features 39 targeted actions designed to enhance public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development.

“The Food Action Plan is a collective Executive commitment to a fresh approach to food offering a new way forward focused on practical actions that maximise the opportunities our food system offers to benefit health as well as the economy and environment of Northern Ireland,” Minister Muir stated during the launch.

This Action Plan represents the first phase of implementation following the publication of the broader NI Food Strategy Framework in November 2024.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly and DAERA Minister Andrew Muir are pictured at this year’s Balmoral Show, launching the NI Food Strategy Framework’s two-year Action Plan on behalf of the NI Executive with (R-L) Grainne Moody, Invest NI, Neal Kelly, Henderson's and Chair Food NI, Beth Bell, Carrick Greengrocers, Michele Shirlow, CEO, Food NI and Andy Cole (FSA).

Developed with input from eight key departments — including the Departments for Communities, Economy, Education, Finance, Health, Justice, alongside FSA NI and Invest NI — the plan is deeply embedded in cross-departmental collaboration.

“I am delighted to formally launch the first Food Action Plan which outlines the steps we will take over the next two years, underpinned by eight important decision-making principles such as the right to food, sustainability, collaboration & leadership,” Minister Muir added.

The plan adopts a food systems approach, focusing not only on production and consumption but also on food’s broader social, economic, and environmental impacts. Minister Muir emphasised the strategic ambition of the framework:

“I am excited about the ambition of the Food Strategy Framework and Action Plan and the opportunities to make a real impact. This is an innovative food systems approach built upon the quality food we produce, underpinned by environmental sustainability and linked to wider government strategies and the Programme for Government.”

Three Core Missions of the Food Action Plan:

1. Use Food to Improve Lifelong Health and Wellbeing – Promoting healthy dietary habits and tackling nutrition-related inequalities.

   
   

2. Support Environmentally Sustainable, Safe and Ethical Agri-food Supply Chains – Strengthening food safety, sustainability, and ethical standards across the supply chain.

   
   

3. Further Develop Sustainable Economic Prosperity – Enhancing the economic value of Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector through innovation and investment.

Copies of the Food Action Plan and the NI Food Strategy Framework are available for download from the DAERA website.

The launch marks a significant step towards a resilient and inclusive food future for Northern Ireland, bringing together government, industry, and communities in pursuit of a shared vision for better health, economic stability, and environmental stewardship.