Royal Focus On Agri-Food Sector

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex - who is in Northern Ireland today - has addressed a conference on the importance of the agri-food industry.

The royal visitor was the special guest at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society's conference 'Challenges and Opportunities for the Agri-Food Sector' at the King's Hall Complex in Belfast.

It was attended by around 100 industry 'stakeholders' from across Northern Ireland, who heard from a number of speakers on a range of key factors focused on the important commercial sector.

Earlier today, the prince was in Co Fermanagh's prestigious Lough Erne Golf Resort, where, as part of the first engagement of the day he met Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme participants and was guest of honour at a lunch hosted by the organisation, Friends of the Award.

Although weeks of warm, sunny weather came to an end this morning as the rain came down, the prince was still able to see the picturesque setting between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne.

The resort boasts the first Nick Faldo-designed course in Ireland, which has been expected to officially open this month.

Arriving for the engagement HRH was greeted by Lord Anthony Hamilton, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Co Fermanagh and went on to meet Helen Lanigan Wood, Sheriff for Co Fermanagh as well as Councillor Bertie Kerr, the Chairman of Fermanagh District Council and Rodney Connor, the Chief Executive, as well as Eric Rainey, outgoing Director (NI), Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Accompanied by Eric Rainey and Kate Thompson, designate Director (NI) Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, HRH walked to the putting green and met Peter Smyth, Golf Operations Manager, Lough Erne Golf Resort, and a number of Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme participants during a golf training session and then met Patrick Trotter, Master Angling Instructor, with participants enjoying a fly-fishing class.

His Royal Highness is expected to attend a Duke of Edinburgh Award reception and dinner later today.

(BMcC/JM)