Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)

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About the employer

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is a multi-disciplinary organisation with c650 staff involved in high technology research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland and further afield.

Its 3 main areas of work are:

Natural and marine environment
Animal, plant and human health and welfare
Sustainable livestock production

AFBI has 7 sites across Northern Ireland;

Newforge Lane (Headquarters),
Stormont,
Hillsborough,
Crossnacreevy,
Loughgall,
Omagh
Bushmills,
RV Corystes: a 53m dedicated marine research vessel based in the Port of Belfast.

The Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI) was created on 1st April 2006 by joining the Science Service of the then Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ARINI).

AFBI's NDPB status enables it to be innovative and entrepreneurial in its approach to business development. AFBI is forging new partnerships with other scientific institutes and research organisations and extending the range of services it offers. This enables AFBI’s unique breadth of scientific capabilities in the areas of agriculture, animal health, food, environment and biosciences to be offered to a wider prospective national and international customer base.

AFBI is managed by an independent Board which is also responsible for monitoring its performance.

Further information on the legislation behind the creation of AFBI can be viewed: The Agriculture (Northern Ireland) Order 2004(external link opens in a new window / tab)