New data shows the agri-food sector accounts for one third of employment and more than half of total sales among Invest NI-supported businesses in Fermanagh and Omagh.

Of 79 supported businesses, the combined workforce totals 5,548 people. Agri-food firms generate £866m in sales, or 53 per cent of the £1.641bn total across supported companies.

Advanced engineering and manufacturing follows with £422m in sales, or 26 per cent, while construction contributes £293m, or 18 per cent.

Great Britain remains the largest market at £894m, followed by the European Union at £362m and Northern Ireland at £268m.

External sales total £1.373bn, representing 84 per cent of turnover, while exports reach £479m, or 29 per cent of all sales.

The Republic of Ireland accounts for £237m in sales. The Americas contribute £70m, with Asia Pacific at £23m.

Eighty-seven per cent of supported businesses are locally owned, though externally owned firms account for 35 per cent of employment. Micro and small firms make up 70 per cent of the business base.