AFBI at the Northern Ireland Science Festival

AFBI enlarged its presence this year at the NI Science Festival by attending 4 touring roadshows in Dungannon (Plant Pathology), Enniskillen (Freshwater Fisheries), Newry (Food Research) and Coleraine (Marine Fisheries). All the stands were continually busy throughout the day (and occasionally manic!) and the interaction with and feedback from the public was excellent.

AFBI Plant Pathologists ran a botanical crime scene investigation workshop at the first roadshow, followed by Freshwater Fisheries Scientists presenting invaders to Lough Erne and the impact they are having on the natural ecosystem.

At the third event, AFBI Food Researchers asked people to guess how much carbohydrate, fat and protein was in common foods you might have in your kitchen. Finally at the last roadshow AFBI Marine Fisheries Researchers demonstrated what swims beneath the waves around the Northern Ireland coast, some “nippy” characters, and how to age a fish.

On Saturday 25th February AFBI Hillsborough threw open its gates to the public to see a working research farm and how AFBI science is helping our farming industry become even better.

Visitors large and small toured the site with the newborn calves a particular hit!  Visitors also saw how AFBI research uses the latest technologies to find ways of making livestock farming more efficient while still protecting their health and welfare and minimising their environmental footprint.

Informative talks and demonstrations highlighted how AFBI research ensures young calves get the best start in life, investigative ways to make dairy cows as productive as possible and how animal slurries are used to produce heat and power for the farm.  An enjoyable day was had by all.

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

Share this page