Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
874. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which sustainability is being integrated into the agri-food sector's roadmap to achieve export growth from €13 billion to €21 billion by the end of the decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food is set out in Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder-led strategy. Its vision is for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core. It takes a food systems approach, recognising the importance of greater policy coherence and the involvement of all the food system stakeholders. It was designed using a food systems approach, recognising the requirement to have greater policy coherence across agriculture, food, and the environment.
Food Vision’s goals are grouped around four high-level missions:
• A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector.
• Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing.
• Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad.
• Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent.
In relation to the value of exports, in 2024 agri-food exports were a record €19 billion, a 5% increase by value on 2023 and a 65% increase since 2014. This highlights the global orientation and exceptional quality of Irish produce, which accounted for 8.6% of Irish goods exported, reaching over 190 markets worldwide. Estimates for 2025 indicate that Irish agri-food exports are on course to exceed €20 billion. The growth of agri-food exports has been driven by value in recent years, in keeping with our approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food as set out in Food Vision 2030.
As Chair of the Food Vision High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), I provide continued oversight of the process, supported by cross-government collaboration and sectoral engagement, ensuring sustainability is at the heart of our thriving agri-food sector. I recently announced a midterm review of Food Vison 2030 to ensure that it remains ambitious, focused, and responsive to evolving challenges and opportunities.
