Agri-food survey to quantify the industry’s economic contribution

THE nation’s agri-food sector is being encouraged to stand up and be counted among Irish consumers and influential policymakers.

Thousands of businesses with an income reliant or partially reliant on the sector will be surveyed over the coming weeks.

The aim of the research campaign, developed by Agri Aware and leading economist and board member, Jim Power, is to quantify and showcase the economic contribution of the agri-food industry.

Agri Aware chairman Mairead Lavery said farming and food production generates the largest contribution to the public purse of any sector.

“Furthermore, it retains the largest proportion of its turnover in the country itself. I would ask organisations to take part in our survey and support us in our drive to become recognised as Ireland’s largest and most important indigenous sector,” she said.

The survey will investigate the real contribution of the agri-food industry to the Irish exchequer by surveying activities that may not automatically be included in such research.

From van drivers to accountants, all involvement in the industry will be accounted for.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said the farming and food sector plays a pivotal economic role in Ireland.

“I would encourage all within the industry to become involved and support Agri Aware’s campaign,” he said.

IFAC chief executive Willie Fahey said the sector is Ireland’s most important indigenous industry providing large-scale employment in all parts of the country.