NI agri-food sector “uniquely placed” for growth with EU and GB access

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir speaking to more than 200 international guests at a St Patrick’s Day networking event in Brussels

Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector has a “huge advantage” thanks to its dual access to both European Union and Great Britain markets, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has said during a high-profile visit to Brussels.

Speaking to more than 200 international guests at a St Patrick’s Day networking event, the Minister positioned Northern Ireland as uniquely placed to capitalise on global trade opportunities — with local producers able to move goods freely into two of the world’s most significant markets.

A global platform for local produce

On the menu of the Northern Ireland Executive Office’s annual Ulster Fry for St Patrick’s Day in Brussels

The remarks came at the Northern Ireland Executive Office’s annual ‘Ulster Fry for St Patrick’s Day’ breakfast, a flagship event showcasing local food and drink to European partners, diplomats, and business leaders.

Minister Muir highlighted the strength and heritage of the sector, telling attendees:

“Back home, we’re incredibly lucky. We have a long established tradition built upon family farms and innovative artisans, who pour real pride and skill into what they do. Whether it’s world-class dairy, award winning meat or innovative new products from businesses that started around a kitchen table, the quality speaks for itself.”

He emphasised that Northern Ireland’s trading position is a key driver for future growth:

“We are also in a unique position. With dual access to both the EU and GB markets, with goods able to freely move into these regions that’s a huge advantage for our producers and a real opportunity for further growth.”

Focus on trade, stability and future agreements

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir at a St Patrick’s Day networking event in Brussels with some of those who attended

The Minister also addressed ongoing UK-EU negotiations, particularly around the proposed Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agri-food agreement.

He said he hoped new arrangements would ease the movement of goods while protecting Northern Ireland’s access to both markets:

“I have been actively engaging with the UK government on these negotiations and hope the emerging SPS agri-food and drink arrangements will support smoother movement of agri-food goods right across the UK, while maintaining the unfettered access for NI goods to the GB and EU markets that is so important to our agri-food sector.”

He added he would continue to push for closer alignment with EU standards and consideration of rejoining the EU Customs Union to reduce trade friction.

Strengthening EU relationships

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir at a St Patrick’s Day networking event in Brussels MEP for Ireland South Seán Kelly

As part of his visit, Minister Muir is holding meetings with key diplomatic figures, including representatives from the UK Mission to the EU and Ireland’s Permanent Representation.

He stressed that strong relationships with European partners are already delivering tangible benefits:

“The dialogue and partnership we’ve built with our friends and trusted trading partners in the EU… makes a real difference to the people and businesses we represent.”

He added that cooperation under the Windsor Framework continues to support “a thriving, resilient, sustainable and high quality food system in Northern Ireland.”

Ministers promote NI on international stage

Junior Ministers hosted the Ulster Fry for St Patrick’s Day breakfast, held by the Office of the NI Executive in Brussels. Pictured left to right are: Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, Aodhán Connolly Director of the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels and Junior Minister Joanne Bunting.

Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting are also in Brussels for a programme of St Patrick’s Day engagements aimed at boosting Northern Ireland’s global profile.

The visit includes meetings with EU ambassadors, trade representatives and political figures, alongside efforts to promote the region as a destination for investment, tourism and innovation.

Junior Minister Reilly said the visit was an opportunity to “strengthen relationships and give the North a voice in this important market,” highlighting the region’s strengths across agri-food, tourism, manufacturing, technology and the creative industries.

She also pointed to the growing international footprint of local businesses, including a visit to a major data centre project being developed by Coleraine-based company TriEX in Belgium.

Junior Ministers hosted the Ulster Fry for St Patrick’s Day breakfast, held by the Office of the NI Executive in Brussels. Pictured left to right are: Junior Minister Joanne Bunting, Aodhán Connolly Director of the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly. 

Junior Minister Bunting described the trip as an important step in expanding economic links:

“Today also provides an opportunity to strengthen our international profile, deepening our economic relationships, and creating opportunities for trade, investment and education.”

She added that Northern Ireland’s skilled workforce and strategic location position it strongly for future growth.

Looking ahead

The Brussels visit continues with further diplomatic meetings before Minister Muir travels to the Netherlands to engage with senior officials on rural development, nature, and fisheries.

With trade, sustainability, and international collaboration at the centre of discussions, the visit underscores a clear message: Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector is not just competing — it is uniquely positioned to lead.

At a glance

• Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector has dual access to EU and GB markets

• DAERA Minister Andrew Muir says this creates a “huge advantage” for growth

• Comments made during St Patrick’s Day event in Brussels with 200+ attendees

• Focus on upcoming UK-EU SPS agreement to ease trade movement

• Minister pushing for closer EU alignment and reduced trade friction

• Strong EU relationships described as delivering real benefits

• Junior Ministers also in Brussels promoting NI for trade and investment

• Visit includes meetings with diplomats and EU representatives

• Local firm TriEX highlighted for international expansion in Belgium

• Further engagements planned in the Netherlands on rural and environmental policy