Moy Park key driver of Dungannon's economy

The poultry sector is a key driver for economic growth in Northern Ireland, agri-food Minister Michelle McIlveen said during a visit to Dungannon-based Moy Park, Europe's leading poultry producers.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Oct 2016, 13:15 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 20:21 BST
DAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen visits a Castlecaulfield poultry farm to hear from Moy Park European HR Director Mike Mullan about the work of Europes leading poultry producer and their operating model which involves a close and highly effective working relationship with their poultry farmersDAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen visits a Castlecaulfield poultry farm to hear from Moy Park European HR Director Mike Mullan about the work of Europes leading poultry producer and their operating model which involves a close and highly effective working relationship with their poultry farmers
DAERA Minister Michelle McIlveen visits a Castlecaulfield poultry farm to hear from Moy Park European HR Director Mike Mullan about the work of Europes leading poultry producer and their operating model which involves a close and highly effective working relationship with their poultry farmers

“Poultry producers, and the wider agri-food sector, are important players when it comes to growing our local economy. Looking ahead we know the importance of focusing on improving the quality of Northern Ireland agri-food products rather than focusing on simply improving production levels,” Miss McIlveen said as she met with Janet McCollum, Chief Executive of the billion pound business which employs some 6,400 people here.

“I was very impressed to hear about the company’s recent £25m investment and its operating model which involves a close and highly effective working relationship with their poultry farmers. I will continue to work to deliver growth for the sector including support for companies such as Moy Park by exploring new export markets. Our recently introduced £12m Sustainable Use of Poultry Litter (SUPL) loan scheme helps develop new sustainable ways to utilise poultry litter and has made good progress thanks to the work of Moy Park in partnership with government,” Minister Michelle McIlveen continued.

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As well as visiting the factory, the Minister visited nearby farmer Neil Symington who supplies poultry to Moy Park, one of the UK’s top 10 food companies and Northern Ireland’s largest private sector business.

“As global forecasts indicate a growth in demand for poultry meat, it is important for me to meet with Moy Park’s senior management and hear the challenges facing them, and the wider sector, in the months and years ahead.” The Minister also promised to continue to push for access to China’s markets for poultry meat but stressed that breaking into new markets was often a lengthy process.

Related topics:Moy ParkNorthern IrelandEuropeChina