Northern Ireland’s agriculture, marine, and education sectors feature in the King’s Birthday Honours list for 2026.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir recognised contributions from farming, fisheries, food innovation, and environmental engineering. Recipients include Claire Vincent, Deputy Director of Marine and Fisheries, and Rosemary Agnew, former Director of Agricultural Policy, who both received MBEs. Dr Stephen Jess, a former senior scientist at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, was awarded a BEM.

Wesley Aston, former chief executive of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, and William Moore also received MBEs for services to agriculture. Professor Peter Robertson of Queen’s University and Harry Geddis, co-founder and co-chair of Avondale Foods, were awarded MBEs for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Education Minister Paul Givan congratulated staff from the education and youth sectors who were honoured. He said the awards reflect the outstanding contribution of a highly motivated workforce that is admired beyond Northern Ireland.