Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
346. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to support the growth and international expansion of Irish-owned food and agri-food businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52387/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key focus of Food Vision 2030, the shared stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, is to grow the value of Irish agri-food exports on international markets.
In 2025, Irish exports were a record €20.8 billion, with exports to over 180 countries worldwide.
Given the dependence of the sector on exports, trade and market diversification are a priority for my Department. Food Vision 2030 reflects the importance of diversifying and developing new markets and new market segments for Irish food and drink products, in the UK, EU and wider international markets. Food Vision also aims to increase the value of exports of sustainably-produced and high-quality Irish food and beverages globally.
Bord Bia works to promote Ireland’s outstanding food, drink and horticulture produce around the world. Its activities include participation at food exhibitions and trade shows, and the running of digital campaigns, retail and restaurant promotions, as well as a range of other trade promotions and events, including campaigns around St. Patrick's Day global celebrations. Bord Bia also hosts inward buyer visits on an ongoing basis, as well as meetings with key international companies.
Ministerial-led trade missions are a key element of the strategy to deliver on the Food Vision priorities to develop and diversify markets, and to increase the value of Irish agri-food exports. They also present opportunities to expand Ireland’s trade and investment profile, and to promote Ireland’s strong international reputation as a producer of safe, nutritious, and sustainable food and beverages, for example through extensive business-to-business engagement, networking opportunities and high-level political discussions.
The destinations and markets targeted by my Department for trade missions focus on the best opportunities to develop new markets and to promote our agri-food products, in collaboration with our stakeholders, including Bord Bia, Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI) and Enterprise Ireland. Once market access is in place, Bord Bia, in particular, will work to promote Irish produce and assist companies in maximising those opportunities to export.
A key message across all trade missions is a strong focus on Ireland’s ability to produce nutritious, safe and premium quality food and drink in a sustainable manner.
To support this work, my Department has agricultural counsellors and attachés located in a range of global locations, including Beijing, Berlin, Paris, London, Mexico, Seoul, Tokyo and Washington DC. They work in close cooperation with Bord Bia, which has fourteen offices and 63 staff based overseas, and with Enterprise Ireland.
Accessing, growing, and developing new and existing international markets for our safe, high quality and nutritious food will remain a key policy objective for my Department.
