Natural produce
Pigs and Pigmeat
Thanks to the isolated island status, Northern Ireland pigs enjoy a high health status, efficient management and strict disease control. Traditionally pigs were produced for bacon, but since 1995 more of the production has been in fresh pork. The Northern Ireland pigmeat processing sector is heavily dependent on sales to external markets.
- Of the pigmeat produced in Northern Ireland, 35% is sold in Great Britain and a further 18% is exported.
Milk and Dairy Products
A large proportion of Northern Ireland milk production is further processed and the dairy industry has a recognised reputation for high quality products. Milk powders, butter and cheese are exported worldwide.
Potatoes
Northern Ireland consumers still enjoy the traditional varieties of dry, floury potatoes. Champ, the regional dish, is made from mashed potatoes, spring onions, milk and butter, is a local favourite which is finding favour with diners outside Northern Ireland, while local production of crisps and chips cater for the convenience and food service sectors. Northern Ireland’s cool temperate climate makes it an ideal place to grow healthy seed potatoes many of which are exported to markets in Europe and North Africa.
Wholesome Food
For centuries food production has played a key role in the economy. Land quality and climate combine to produce lush grass pastures which are the foundation of the agri-food industry. These natural resources and the tradition of caring husbandry, complemented by highly specialised and total quality at all stages from plough to plate, ensure that food is wholesome, safe and ethically produced.
- 400 food processing firms convert premium raw materials into a wide variety of appealing, wholesome foods.
- External sales, which annually accounts for two thirds of the food-processing sector’s output, are proof of the confidence the world has in Northern Ireland food.
Fishing Fleets
Sea and inland fishing is of considerable economic importance in Northern Ireland. In addition, the abundance of clean rivers and loughs play a vital role in a thriving tourism industry, annually attracting thousands of anglers from Great Britain, Europe and further afield.
The Northern Ireland sea fisheries industry is based mainly in the three fishing ports of Ardglass, Kilkeel, and Portavogie and comprises some 333 fishing vessels.
- The fishing fleet operates mainly in the Irish Sea and North Channel.
- The value of catches landed into the UK and abroad was worth around £28.5 million in 2005, around 5% of the total UK fleet’s £571 million.
