Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework
The Executive approved strategic Framework sets the long-term direction and presents a new whole of government approach around food to deliver better outcomes for Northern Ireland, transform our food system for future generations and help position Northern Ireland as the home of sustainable food.
The Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework uses an innovative food systems approach
which recognises the interconnectedness between food, health, the economy and the
environment. It sets a long-term vision, high-level principles and areas for strategic focus, and
seeks to optimise joined-up working on food matters to deliver Programme for Government
and departmental objectives.
Food cuts across the policy responsibilities of a number of Northern Ireland Ministers including
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Economy, Communities, Health, Education, Finance
and Justice. Councils in Northern Ireland also have an important part to play in the delivery of
local food initiatives. Although led by DAERA, the Food Strategy Framework was developed
in collaboration with the other NI Departments, the Food Standards Agency and Invest NI,
building upon the views of key stakeholders including the agri-food industry, health, academia, community and voluntary sectors, during a public consultation on the proposals in the autumn
of 2021.