First Poultry Litter Research Contracts Awarded

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill today announced the first contracts for research into the development of solutions for the sustainable use of poultry litter.

Arlene Foster said: "The poultry sector is a key component of our regional economy and has significant plans for expansion. That is why we have harnessed the buying power of the public sector, through the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), to procure the development of innovative solutions for the sustainable use of poultry litter. This approach of government being a procurer of innovation is a central part of our efforts to boost the degree of innovation in our economy and in our public sector."

Minister O'Neill said: "We have moved quickly to progress the SBRI competition following publication of a DARD/AFBI technical review last year. I am pleased to say that contracts are now in place with eight companies for Phase 1. This proof of concept and feasibility stage will enable them to further develop their projects over the next six months. Finding alternative solutions for the sustainable utilisation of poultry litter is vital to help meet the requirements of the EU Nitrates and Water Framework Directives and support the continued development of our agri-food industry."

(CD)