IFA: Agri-food sector can contribute significantly to economic recovery

EXPORT earnings from the agri-food sector have the potential to grow by more than €2 billion, an increase of 29% on 2008, creating at least 16,000 new jobs in the next few years.

That’s the belief of the Irish Farmers’ Association as it proceeds with the planning for a major forum on the industry at the RDS on Tuesday.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said the farming and food industry continues to be a major driving force in the economy. As Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, it is the backbone of the rural and wider economy, supporting over 270,000 jobs and driving export earnings of over €8bn per annum.