Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, recently met with representatives of the Musgrave Retail Partners NI at their offices in Belfast.

Nigel Briggs, the company's Managing Director, presented the Minister with an overview of Musgrave's commitment to local producers through their 'focused on local' sourcing strategy. She learned that 100% of their beef, pork, lamb, eggs and milk comes from producers in the North with 95% of fresh chicken also sourced locally, and congratulated them on this buying policy

Discussing the company's local business and policies, the Minister said: "This visit has provided me with a valuable opportunity to meet with Musgrave Retail Partners and discuss the issue of local sourcing with them. At a time when the cost of food is increasing retailers are focused on providing value to consumers, but returns received by producers should be of equal concern to ensure a sustainable farming industry here. My meeting today has opened discussions about future opportunities and explored ways that my Department can assist."

Minister Gildernew has previously met with Tesco, Sainsburys and ASDA in 2007 to discuss company policies including local sourcing. She intends to meet other major players in the local retail market later this year.

The Minister also outlined the recently launched industry promotional campaign aimed at encouraging consumers to choose local produce. She said: "My discussions with retailers are in line with the 'Good Food is in Our Nature' campaign. Consumers in the North are fortunate that they are able to buy quality food produced to a very high standard while at the same time supporting their local agri-food industry."