Action On Genetic Improvement By AgriSearch
8 years ago 
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PRESS STATEMENT
EMBARGOED UNTIL 5PM ON WEDNESDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2015
Key role in project to deliver livestock improvement scheme for NI beef, sheep and dairy sectors
The recent report on delivering genetic improvement within the beef, dairy and sheep sectors in Northern Ireland is not going to be allowed to sit around gathering dust.
AgriSearch, the NI Agricultural Research and Development Council, is seeking to appoint a Project Manager to work with key partners and stakeholders to advance the business case for government and industry to support the creation of a Northern Ireland Livestock Industries Data Hub. That is one of the main recommendations of international consultants AbacusBio, who were commissioned by the Agri-Food Strategy Board to evaluate genetic improvement options for the local livestock industry.
AgriSearch Chair James Campbell said “the dairy and red meat sectors have much to gain from the co-ordination of data through the proposed hub. This integrated approach has the potential to guide decision making on beef, sheep and dairy farms to drive genetic improvement in ways comparable to those that have made the poultry and pig production sectors more competitive. Much of the information is currently held by different individuals and groups but it can be brought together using modern technology. Similar technology is already being used in other parts of the world and there is a challenge for Northern Ireland to catch up and ultimately overtake that competition. Having been asked by the Agri-Food Strategy Board to assist with the next phase of this challenge, the Trustees of AgriSearch have agreed to employ a Project Manager dedicated to this task for a period of up to 12 months.”
The main duties and responsibilities of the new Project Manager will include compilation of information to support the business case for government and industry funding, communicating the potential opportunities of such a data hub, leading negotiations with potential funders and holders of data, building linkages with existing and planned knowledge exchange initiatives and developing potential new initiatives to enable and accelerate the rate of adoption at farm level.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council (T/A AgriSearch), is a charitable organisation whose mission is to drive innovation and excellence in ruminant livestock farming, as a trusted, valued conduit of knowledge and innovation based on sound science, and widely applied research.
Full details of the vacancy including a job description, person specification and application form can be viewed on the AgriSearch website www.agrisearch.org
A summary of the findings of the AbacusBio report can be found on the website of the Agri-Food Strategy Board http://www.agrifoodstrategyboard.org.uk/news/read/42/afsb-outlines-genetic-improvement-research
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