Agri-food and drinks exports set to rise by 3% following two tough years

AGRI-FOOD and drink exports are set to increase by 3% during 2011, with some sectors well ahead of target, according to the Annual Review & Outlook for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 2010/2011.

In unveiling the industry barometer yesterday, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney said 2010 had been a very positive year for the Irish agri-food sector, following two difficult years.

“Export figures show that the sector exported produce worth €7.8 billion, an increase of about 11% on 2009,” said Mr Coveney. “The cereals sector had a particularly good year with output value of over €200m, an increase of over 88% on the previous year, while the dairy sector increased its exports by 17%. Aggregate farm income also increased, by 31.5%.