‘Food Promotion’ campaign leaves Elliott hungry for more
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has stated that the launch of a campaign by ‘Food Promotion Northern Ireland’ is encouraging, but noted that there was a real need for the campaign to gain impetus among all sections of the food industry in Northern Ireland.
Tom said “The news that this coming February will see the launch of a campaign by ‘Food Promotion Northern Ireland’ to advertise local produce is something which certainly deserves praise. It has been clear for quite some time now that action was needed to address the declining profits faced by the agricultural industry. This campaign will hopefully encourage local people that home-grown produce is the best for them and their families.
“As things currently stand only a small proportion (approximately 30%) of our local produce stays here in Northern Ireland. It is vital that the local services including Restaurants and Cafes buy-in to the campaign and support local people by using local produce. With their support new doors would open up to the agricultural industry through increased profit and some much needed encouragement would help lift the pressure currently felt by farmers throughout the country.”
The main method of bringing the campaign into the public sphere will come through the media, including two television adverts which are set to begin in February next year. Under the title “Northern Ireland: Good food is in our nature” the campaign managers hope that people here will grasp the importance of supporting local farmers. Local retailers and businesses can do their part by advertising the slogan and purchasing home-grown food to create their produce.
Tom went on to say “I have never been in any doubt that a national strategy was needed to support local agriculture and I openly encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to play their part by supporting this venture. Only by working together as a community can the local agricultural industry return to the levels of prominence it once enjoyed. It is to the advantage of everyone to have a vibrant and healthy agriculture sector given its position as the largest source of employment in the private sector.
“It is my firm belief that if this campaign is successful it will provide the impetus for further advertising, not only here in Northern Ireland but throughout the rest of the United Kingdom and into Europe. Our main export retailer in that of mainland UK and it is pivotal that while this campaign seeks to help the industry at home we should not focus solely inward but be mindful to continue making our presence felt throughout the United Kingdom.”