The vital food sector deserves all our respect

As has been the case for the last three years, Bord Bia has once again delivered some post-festive cheer.

Last year food and drink exports expanded by 9% to reach almost €10bn. Since 2009, exports have expanded by 40%. No other sector of significance has managed that sort of growth since 2009, and consistent with the hype, the agri-food sector is proving to be a shining light in the Irish economy. This is very good news for a sector that accounts for over 160,000 direct jobs in the economy, with many more indirect jobs supported.

Furthermore, it is a high value-added indigenous industry that has a low import content and which is an essential part of regional economic growth in a country where the greater Dublin area tends to dominate economic life.