Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
885. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the extent to which Ireland relies on imported vegetables (details supplied); whether this level of dependence is considered sustainable from a food security and affordability perspective.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30238/26]
View answerAccording to the CSO, since 2016, imports of vegetables have increased by 12%, from 354,638 tonnes in 2016, to 467,045 tonnes (provisional data and subject to revision) in 2025, an increase of 112,407 tonnes. At the same time population estimates from the CSO show an increase in the overall population by 13% in the same period.
Ireland is one of the most food secure countries in the world, ranking second of 113 countries assessed for food security according to the Global Food Security Index. However, recent geopolitical crises have challenged established assumptions on food security.
The Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and the EU Single Market are critical mechanisms for ensuring food security in the European Union. The Government will continue to support farmers, including vegetable growers, as we make payments under Ireland’s €9.8 billion CAP Strategic Plan and via specific supports. My Department issued over €15 million in payments to the Irish horticulture sector in 2025 through a range of schemes, recognising the continued government commitment to the development and growth of the horticulture sector.
To facilitate development of the horticulture sector- a stakeholder-led National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 has been agreed and sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability.
The implementation of the Strategy’s eight Key Strategic Actions (KSA) is driving change and growth across all the horticulture industry’s sub sectors and is on track to meet farmgate target of €688 million by end of 2027. Teagasc is leading, with the support of my Department, on identifying import substitution opportunities for the Irish edible horticulture industry. My Department, through its work with Bord Bia continues to advocate for consumers to choose fresh, in season, local produce where possible.
