NI Assembly AERA Committee Successfully Hosts Meeting at CAFRE Hill Farm, Antrim Hills.

The Northern Ireland Assembly's Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee successfully hosted its meeting on Thursday, 3rd July, at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Hill Farm in the scenic Antrim Hills.

This meeting underscored the Committee's commitment to engaging directly with key stakeholders and observing practical applications of agricultural and environmental policy.

During the session, Committee members received comprehensive briefings from:

• CAFRE Officials who provided insights into the operations, research, and educational initiatives at the Hill Farm, particularly focusing on sustainable land management, biodiversity, and upland farming practices.
• The Irish Grouse Conservation Trust presented on their vital work in conserving red grouse populations and their associated habitats, highlighting challenges and successes in biodiversity protection within the region.

Robbie Butler MLA, Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s AERA Committee said: "We were very much looking forward to our meeting at CAFRE Hill Farm, and it proved to be an incredibly valuable session.

"This off-site meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for members to gain first-hand understanding of the practical challenges and innovative solutions within our rural and environmental sectors.”

“Engaging directly with CAFRE officials and the Irish Grouse Conservation Trust deepened our appreciation of their critical work and informed our future policy considerations around upland farming."

The Committee held a productive session that contributed significantly to its ongoing scrutiny of agriculture, environment, and rural affairs issues in Northern Ireland.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• The Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is a statutory committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Its functions include scrutinising the work of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), considering legislation, and initiating inquiries.
• CAFRE Hill Farm is a working farm and an integral part of CAFRE's applied research, development, and education programmes, focusing on sustainable upland farming.
• The Irish Grouse Conservation Trust is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of red grouse and their habitats in Ireland.

For more information, please contact: Robbie Best Deputy Communications and Digital Content Officer: Robbie.Best@niassembly.gov.uk