Local food and drink producers, farmers and agri businesses from the borough of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon – better known as the Food Heartland of NI – serve up success at this year’s Balmoral Show, scooping champion prizes, challenge cups, trophies and rosettes as well as wowing crowds throughout the four-day, action-packed agricultural festival.
The pinnacle agricultural event in Northern Ireland took place last week from Wednesday 11 May to Saturday 14 May and featured everything from prize winning livestock, delicious local produce to an unrivalled array of trade stands and a wide range of family entertainment attractions.
Proving that agriculture is firmly rooted at the heart of the local economy, the show saw a massive presence from the Food Heartland community – with more than 125 local agri businesses, breeders, handlers, riders as well as food and drink producers all taking part.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr said:
“As a council, it was absolutely brilliant to be back at the Balmoral Show helping champion and showcase the region’s top-class agri-food producers and farming businesses as well as highlight our commitment to driving growth within this important sector. With so many of the borough’s food and drink producers, breeders and agri businesses not only exhibiting but also competing during the show, it’s clear to see how we’ve earned the reputation as Food Heartland of NI.
“Already leaders in horticulture, cattle, sheep and cereal farming enterprises, our borough is home to over 3,400 registered farms, bringing around £376 million into the local economy and employing more than 7,000 local people.
“We’re extremely proud of this standing, which is why through our new Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan we will continue to support local businesses from the Food Heartland – everyone from planters to producers; crafters to creators; growers to grocers; butchers to bakers; and breeders to brewers – to help develop their long term success and viability.
“Now with Balmoral over and the show season well and truly underway, I would like to wish our local agri and farming businesses the very best of luck for the upcoming Lurgan and Armagh Shows next month!”
Topping the numerous leader boards throughout the Balmoral Show, local honours ranged from award winning trade stands in the Food Pavilion, floristry and craft accolades to trophies and rosettes in the livestock competition rings and arenas.
Find out more
To learn more about the Food Heartland and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Agriculture Strategy and Action Plan, please contact .
