Entitled ‘Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change’, the strategy’s key aim is to make Northern Ireland a world leader in sustainable, healthy and nutritious food.

Speaking during the launch event, the North Down MLA said: “The Framework recognises the interconnectedness between food, health, the economy and the environment.

“From obesity, food poverty and waste to climate change and biodiversity loss, the food we produce and eat is a major factor in some of the greatest problems facing Northern Ireland. It is also a vital part of the solutions.”

The Food Strategy Framework sets the long-term direction and presents a new whole of government approach around food to deliver better outcomes for Northern Ireland, transform our food system for future generations and help position Northern Ireland as the home of sustainable food.

“My Executive colleagues and I are committed to focusing our collective efforts on maximising the opportunities our food system offers to benefit the health, economy and environment of Northern Ireland and lay the foundations for generations to come.

“This will take time and today is just the start. The Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework sets the shared long-term direction of travel and there is a role for everyone in this journey. I intend to bring forward an action plan in early 2025, which will provide more details on how we as government intend to start the transformation of our food system.”

At the launch, Minister Muir also praised Carrick Greengrocers who he described as: “A fantastic example of a community owned greengrocer, positioned within the centre of Carrickfergus, making a real impact supplying local people with nutritious, local, in season food. It is important that we all value our food and where it comes from and I would like to pay tribute to all our food heroes, who grow, produce and make our food and I look forward to the next steps we take together to shape a better tomorrow.”