Assembly’s Agriculture Committee Meets at the Balmoral Show

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) held its meeting at the Balmoral Show today (14 May 2026).

The Committee held an evidence session with the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE). CASE works in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), and provides advice to national, regional and local government, and their agencies, on renewable energy and the development of a circular and sustainable economy.

The Committee also engaged with members of the public at the Show by carrying out a survey on anaerobic digestion (AD). The results of the survey will be considered as part of the Committee’s wider scrutiny of AD, to include a stakeholder event in June.

Committee members also took part in an informal meeting with members of the UK Parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee.

Issues discussed included the implications of the conflict in Iran on fuel and fertiliser prices; the impact of agriculture and the food industries on waterways and loughs; and Bills currently at Committee Stage.

The Chair of the AERA Committee, Robbie Butler MLA, said:
“Holding our Committee meeting at the Balmoral Show provided an opportunity for us to engage directly with the agricultural and rural community. It allowed us to hear the views of stakeholders and members of the public, ensuring our role, which includes scrutinizing policy and considering legislation, is informed by real-world experience.”

An audio recording of the Committee meeting will be available on 15 May at niassembly.tv

ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Maureen Heaney in the NI Assembly Communications Office by email: maureen.heaney@niassembly.gov.uk or phone: 074 8349 0870.

Notes to Editor:

• Further information on the work of the Committee can be accessed on the Assembly website here.