Minister: Annual review highlights importance of agri-food sector

THE statistics described in the annual review and outlook for agriculture, fisheries and food provide a timely and accurate indication of the importance of the agri-food sector to the economy.

Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith made the assertion yesterday when he announced the web publication of the report which reveals that the agri-food sector accounts for 6.6% of GDP, 8.5% of employment, and €8.1 billion in exports.

He said the indigenous strengths and nature of the sector is evident from the report which shows that Irish raw materials and services account for a significantly higher proportion of expenditure within the food and drink sector (70%) than for the manufacturing sectors as a whole.