Linden livestocks scheme is boost for NI beef.
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA has welcomed the initiative and investment by Linden Foods in Northern Ireland’s first fully integrated calf to beef livestock programme in Co Down and the investment of £250,000 in seven calf rearing units.
Tom said: "This is a locally based company with plants in Dungannon and the Irish Republic. This company continues to lead the way in its pro active development for the red meat and lamb sector and offer a wide range of added value meat products to some of the largest retailers throughout the UK
The food processing industry is vital to the local economy and with the challenges facing all industries in Northern Ireland at the present time it is encouraging to see Linden Foods to diversify and offer customer confidence in Northern Ireland beef by increasing traceability and animal welfare. This is in stark contrast to Brazilian beef which has been banned from many countries due to fears over animal health status and poor foot and mouth controls.
I understand this is the first time that a totally co-ordinated approach to rearing livestock from calf to beef has been introduced to Northern Ireland and will, I feel reap benefits for the company and customers in the future and keep our reputation as a leading region for high quality produce which is also to the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental standards. This integrated approach will create opportunities for large and small scale producers who at present are facing uncertainty in the present times. We simply cannot afford to stand still and this company is a shining example to many other companies on the best way forward for an industry which is the cornerstone to the local economy."