AFBI - Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

AFBI carries out high technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI has three main areas of work:

• Improvements to animal production
  Driving improvements in agricultural production and sustainable livestock systems
• Animal and plant health
  AFBI monitors & manages animal & plant health and supply chains for societal benefits
• Natural and marine environment
  AFBI research is co-protecting the natural and marine environment through research to support policy

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.

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) was created on 1 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 is a DAERA non-departmental public body (NDPB). AFBI's NDPB status enables it to be innovative and entrepreneurial in its approach to business development. AFBI is managed by an independent Board which is also responsible for monitoring its performance.