FDBusiness.com

The Irish Government has unveiled a new ten year development strategy for the agri-food sector, Ireland’s most valuable indigenous industry. Aptly named Food Wise 2025, the strategy sets new ambitions for the sector for further growth, growth which is sustainable – economically, socially and environmentally.

With global demand for high quality, safe and nutritious food continuing to grow rapidly, Food Wise 2025 predicts that over the next decade Ireland can increase the value of agri-food exports by 85% to €19 billion; increase value added to the sector by 70% to €13 billion; and increase the value of primary production by 65% to €10 billion. This should deliver a further 23,000 jobs in the agri food sector by 2025.

The Irish agri-food sector has been very resilient throughout the recent economic turbulence with significant development within the sector. Food and drink exports have out-performed other sectors of the economy (45% growth in Irish agri-food exports compared to 4% for overall merchandise exports 2009-2014 period).

Food Wise 2025 is a statement of intent from the industry to capitalise on a host of new growth opportunities arising from the ever-increasing global demand for food and for new and innovative food solutions. Ireland is well placed to meet these demands given its comparative advantage in producing a range of sustainable, safe, nutritious and innovative food products.

Food Wise 2025 has harnessed the collective wisdom, experience and knowledge of leading industry stakeholders and sets a course for the industry of smarter greener more sustainable growth over the next decade·

With over 350 recommendations, Food Wise 2025 sets out a comprehensive plan for the development of Ireland’s agri-food sector over the next decade.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD comments: “Ireland’s agri-food industry is on a sustainable journey, one that is connecting local communities across the island to vast and diverse food markets around the globe. Food Wise 2025 sets out a vision for the industry to continue along this path of sustainable growth and recognises the strategic importance of specific market and consumer insights if emerging global opportunities are to be fully realised in the decade ahead.”