Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has visited the Dunbia beef processing plant at Dungannon and toured its dedicated product development facility.
Dunbia (Dungannon) is a cluster of three facilities engaged in the slaughter, de-boning and packing of beef, lamb and pork products from locally sourced animals.
During a tour of the retail operations the Minister saw a range of products being produced for major retailers throughout Europe. Complimenting the company on its growth, Minister O’Neill said: “From humble beginnings in a butchers’ shop set up almost four decades ago by Jim and Jack Dobson, Dunbia has grown to become a key market for local primary producers and a major local employer providing much needed income in a rural area.
“Dunbia’s strong focus on developing new business, both at home and abroad, provides local primary producers with a means to access important markets for their primary produce. Co-operation and innovation are essential components in growing the agri-food sector and I am pleased that my department through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Loughry Campus has assisted Dunbia in its new product development.”
Highlighting the important contribution of the local agri-food sector, Minister O’Neill concluded: “As part of the agri-food sector, a sustainable meat industry is vitally important to our local economy. All links in the supply chain are dependent on each other. It is important for the sustainability of the industry that everyone should share in the rewards and receive a fair price for their produce. The agri-food sector is recognised as a priority in the Programme for Government 2011-2015 and in the Economic Strategy as a sector with great potential for further growth. The recently established Agri-Food Strategy Board, of which Jim is a member, has an important role to play in ensuring that its potential is maximised for the good of our economy.”
The Minister was accompanied during her visit by Jim Dobson, Dunbia Group Managing Director.
Meat Trade News Daily Supporting British Pig Farmers
Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.
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