NIFDA appoints new board member
Her appointment is intended to strengthen the organisation's representation across the food and drink supply chain
The Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) has appointed Bernie Orr, chief financial officer at SHS Group, to its board.
Orr, who has experience in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, was named to the role during NIFDA’s 29th annual general meeting (AGM) at Craigavon Civic Centre on 4 June.
Her appointment is intended to strengthen the organisation’s representation across the food and drink supply chain.
The AGM brought together industry representatives to also reflect on the past year and discuss priorities, with a focus on collaboration, sustainability and innovation.
Ursula Lavery, NIFDA chair, called for more joined-up working between government departments and the food and drink sector to help address issues including sustainability, regulation and food security.
Lavery said: “Food and drink is the heartbeat of the Northern Ireland economy. NIFDA member companies and the wider food and drink supply chain collectively support some 113,000 jobs across Northern Ireland and we remain the largest manufacturing sector locally. But there are significant challenges ahead, from sustainability to legislative challenges to enhancing food security in the context of a growing population.
“Our industry has the resilience and ingenuity to navigate our way through these challenges, but key to delivering further success for food and drink, and for the economy as a whole, is a more unified approach across government departments and stronger collaboration with industry.”
She added: “A greater level of constructive collaboration on policy can help unlock the solutions needed across planning, infrastructure and the environment to allow our industry to grow sustainably. We are grateful to Alan for joining us at our AGM today to explore some of these issues and NIFDA stands ready to work with policymakers and other stakeholders as we collectively take Northern Ireland food and drink forward.
“Bernie Orr will bring expertise and fresh perspective to NIFDA which will enrich our discussions and enhance our collective decision making as we continue to navigate and drive forward the sustainable growth of Northern Ireland’s agri-food and drink sector. On behalf of NIFDA members I want to welcome Bernie to the board.”
