Northern Ireland is set to host the BBC Food and Farming Awards for the first time in the event's 26-year history. The ceremony takes place at Titanic Belfast on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir will jointly present the BBC Radio Ulster Food Hero Award with broadcaster Eve Blair. The new award category celebrates people who provide high-quality, home-grown, seasonal food reflecting Northern Ireland's unique food identity. Northern Ireland has attracted a record number of entries this year, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Separately, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Minister Muir have launched a public consultation on a sustainable biomethane strategy for Northern Ireland. The Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework was unveiled at the NI Renewable Gas Conference 2026 to more than 200 stakeholders. The consultation seeks views on how renewable gas can support decarbonisation, economic growth and environmental improvement. Biomethane is produced mainly via anaerobic digestion of organic material and can reduce emissions from heating homes and businesses while helping the farming sector manage manure and other waste. Officials say Northern Ireland's significant agri-food industry provides a strong feedstock base for the technology.

Minister Archibald stated that biomethane developed sustainably can play an important role in the future energy mix, supporting investment and jobs, creating opportunities in rural areas and strengthening the agri-food sector and wider supply chain. She added that any future biomethane sector must work for consumers, support economic growth and deliver wider environmental benefits.

Minister Muir noted that the established anaerobic digestion sector means Northern Ireland is well placed to benefit from biomethane opportunities. He said any future biomethane sector must be guided by strong environmental principles, citing impacts of declining water quality and excess nutrients in rivers, lakes and loughs, particularly at Lough Neagh.

The consultation runs from October 20 to December 15, 2026, and is available on the Department for the Economy website. It follows a 2024 call for evidence and work by the Interdepartmental Biomethane Group, established in 2021 and refreshed at the end of 2025. Chaired by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy, the group includes representatives from the Department for the Economy, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and the Utility Regulator. The publication delivers a commitment in the Energy Strategy Action Plan 2026.