On AFBI’s 100th anniversary year at Royal Hillsborough, Ulster Unionist agriculture spokesman Robbie Butler MLA and AERA Committee Chairman, alongside Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA, visited the research farm today to see its work firsthand.

The visit was hosted by AFBI Chief Executive Dr Stanley McDowell and Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Director of AFBI's Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division. The MLAs toured the facilities and heard from AFBI scientists about research programmes focused on improving production efficiency while helping farmers meet environmental and legislative challenges.

With AFBI currently the subject of reviews and allegations, both representatives raised these matters directly during the visit and discussed how the organisation can strengthen public confidence going forward.

Robbie Butler MLA said:

"AFBI's work is central to the future of farming in Northern Ireland, and I'm particularly proud that this world-class facility sits within my own Lagan Valley constituency. Reaching 100 years at Hillsborough is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the dedication of the scientists and staff who have served the agri-food sector over the past century.

"I have been looking closely into the recent issues surrounding AFBI, and it was important to me to raise these directly today. AFBI is a unique and valuable public asset, and its research underpins the entire agri-food industry. My clear view is that a stronger emphasis on public and political communication would go a long way towards reassuring the farming community and the wider public.

"AFBI deserves both our confidence and our continued investment. Continued DAERA support is vital, not only in terms of resource but also capital investment in such a historic and valuable asset, so that it can continue its work for the next 100 years."

Diana Armstrong MLA said:

"It was great to join my colleague Robbie today, who has been working hard on this matter on behalf of the sector. Agri-food is one of the great success stories of our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and families right across Northern Ireland, and that success is built on the kind of science and innovation AFBI delivers.

"As we look to the future, the priority must be making sure AFBI has the resources and support it needs not just to continue its work, but to unlock new opportunities and innovation for our agri-food sector in the years ahead. That is an investment in our farmers, our rural communities and our wider economy."