NEWS

Independent retailers urge more support for local farmers
By Staff Reporter

AT a meeting with the new Chairman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, Ian Paisley Jnr, a senior delegation of food retailers from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association has called for greater support for local farmers and suppliers. NIIRTA also voiced its support for the publication of a rural white paper and pledged its support to the DARD Minister. Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive said: “This was a productive meeting with the Chairman and we highlighted the huge contribution that our Wholesale and Retail members make to Northern Ireland’s agri-sector and suppliers by sourcing 100% of their meat and poultry from local farmers and suppliers. “NIIRTA is absolutely committed to ensuring that local farmers get a fair deal for their produce and above all a fair price. “The multiple supermarkets, despite some progress still have a long way to go in matching our members’ record of support to local farmers and giving them a fair price for their produce. “We fully support the publication of the rural white paper and the need for a rural champion. A great many of our members trade in rural areas and make an important contribution to those communities." Speaking after the meeting Mr. Paisley said, "I firmly believe that one of the primary markets for our food producers must be the local market here at home. Whilst Northern Ireland is only a small region we should be striving to ensure that local food is the first choice for our consumers. "Retailers obviously have a part to play in this key goal of ensuring there is an accessible path to the market for our food producers. I was very pleased to meet with some independent retailers and their representatives to discuss this.:


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September 3rd 2009
August 27th 2009