(AGENPARL) - Roma, 1 Ottobre 2026 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS
01 October 2026
Embracing sustainability makes smart business sense, Muir tells festival
Businesses that place sustainability at the heart of decision making will be best placed to compete, innovate and prosper in the years ahead, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has claimed.
In an address to a range of business leaders, sustainability practitioners, academics, environmental organisations, policymakers and innovators at the All-Ireland Sustainability Festival of Sustainable Impact in Belfast, Minister Muir said the conference theme, "Smarter Business Through Sustainability", reflected a fundamental shift in how organisations approach growth.
Minister Muir said: "Sustainability is no longer a separate consideration from business strategy. It is central to competitiveness, resilience and long-term success. Organisations that reduce waste, use resources efficiently and invest in innovation will be better placed to grow, attract investment and succeed in the markets of the future. Green growth and the circular economy can help us strengthen our economy while protecting our environment through partnership, practical action and shared ambition."
The Minister highlighted Northern Ireland's legally binding climate targets and confirmed that work is already under way on the second Climate Action Plan, covering from 2028 to 2032.
He said delivering those targets would require action across every sector of the economy and partnership between government, business, academia, local communities and civic society.
Delegates were also told DAERA is supporting this transition through programmes designed to improve environmental performance, strengthen resilience and enable sustainable growth.
The Sustainable Agriculture Programme is backed by dedicated funding of £332.5 million per year to help develop a more productive, environmentally sustainable and resilient farming sector.
Wider support is also helping farm businesses protect water quality, improve soil health, enhance biodiversity and prepare for climate impacts.
Investment in innovation, knowledge transfer and advice also aims to ensure businesses have the skills, information and practical support needed to make meaningful changes.
Beyond agriculture, DAERA continues to support resource efficiency, waste reduction, circular economy approaches, environmental protection and nature recovery. These priorities can help organisations reduce costs, minimise risk, improve compliance and access new markets.
Minister Muir added: "Climate change, biodiversity loss, water quality, resource security and sustainable food production do not recognise borders. Collaboration north and south, and across sectors, is essential. Those who act early will be best placed to compete."
Commending the festival organisers and participants, the Minister said their ideas, investment and leadership would be vital to supporting jobs, protecting the natural environment and strengthening prosperity for future generations.
He concluded: "The message behind today's theme is clear: sustainability is not a barrier to business success. It is increasingly one of its foundations. By working together, we can build a more efficient, resilient and sustainable economy while supporting jobs, protecting our natural environment and strengthening competitiveness for future generations."
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