Green global image could see Ireland the Silicon Valley for food

CAN Ireland be the Silicon Valley for food? Maybe. This is the verdict after the latest analysis of the sector at the inaugural National Food & Agribusiness Conference at Croke Park in Dublin.

Among the strengths they saw were our positive global image as a “green island”; our clear competitive advantage in production of milk and beef from grass; our food and agriculture expansion plan in place, drawn up and supported by the sector; and the improved attitude towards careers in the sector for highly-educated young people (minimum points for studying agriculture in UCD have risen from 315 in 2007 to 420 in 2010, while applications for courses at agricultural colleges are up 84% on 2008).

An enthusiastic, informed and inspiring minister was seen as an additional strength.