AFBI Enters Second Decade of Innovation with Major International Science Outlook Conference

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is marking the completion of a decade of leading local innovation and research for the agri-food industry with a major conference that promises to map out the major challenges and technologies that will shape the agri-food industry of the future.

With an international panel led by Professor Ian Yule of Massey University in New Zealand, the ‘AFBI Science - Shaping Livestock Farming for 2030’ conference will highlight next generation technologies, new research and practices, and the post-Brexit economic landscape.

The Institute is bringing together over 250 international and local stakeholders for the all-day conference which takes place at the Dunadry Hotel on Tuesday March 28 2017. Admission fee is £20 FOR REGISTRATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION LOG ON TO www.afbini.gov.uk/events

International experts include:

• Dr Theun Vellinga of Wageningen University in the Netherlands
• Professor  Ian Yule of Massey University in New Zealand
• Joe O’Flaherty Chief Executive of  Animal Health Ireland
• Tim Bennett, Deputy Chair of the Food Standards Agency Board and Chairman of the UK Centre of Innovation & Excellence in Livestock (CIEL).

AFBI speakers include:

• Professor Robin Skuce
• Dr Debbie McConnell
• Dr Conrad Ferris
• Professor John Davis

On the agenda are presentations on:

• Sustainable intensification – lessons from the Dutch Dairy Industry – manure management or reduced cow numbers?
• Improving animal health through a collaborative approach between industry and government and the role of molecular biotechnology and mathematical modelling in disease control
• Application of new technologies in grassland farming – experience from New Zealand and Northern Ireland,
• The implications of Brexit for the UK agri-food sector.

AFBI CEO Dr Sinclair Mayne said: “At the end of March we complete over a decade of successfully supporting the local agri-food industry and government policy development through innovative and world leading research and development. This is an excellent opportunity to highlight some of the major impacts of our research to date and also to showcase how recent developments in science will have a significant impact on the local and global agri-food sector."

He added: “This conference is another milestone event for AFBI as part of our vision of using scientific excellence to advance the local and global agri-food sectors. I would encourage everyone with an interest in the agri-food sector to attend and gain insight into the very latest technological developments and scientific advances that will shape the future of livestock farming.”

Established on April 1 2006, AFBI is a multi-disciplinary scientific Institute offering world-class scientific services to a wide range of customers in the agri-food sector. AFBI continues to build its collaborative research interests nationally, across the EU and in territories further afield such as China and North America. The Institute is also a major partner in the UK Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock, one of a core of world-class research institutes delivering leading global livestock production and product quality research

Since 2006, AFBI researchers have provided the scientific evidence for annual EU fish quota negotiations, the development of Marine Conservation Zones, and Northern Ireland’s successful applications for derogations from the Nitrates Directive. It has also provided innovative online carcase benchmarking tools for improving the profitability and competitiveness of cattle, sheep and pig production. 

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision is to use scientific excellence to advance the local and global agri-food sector.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

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