175,300 work in agri-food and fishing

The expanded agri-food and fishing industry is significant to national economic development, providing primary employment for 175,300 people, or 9.2% of total employment, 12.3% of all merchandise exports, and 23% of all industry turnover.

The figures were outlined last week by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, who pointed to further opportunities to increase exports to China, Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East, and opportunities for increased market access as a result of the negotiation of free trade agreements.

“I, therefore, believe that the agri-food and fisheries sector is well-placed to meet the Food Harvest 2020 [FH2020] targets, and to continue to making a substantial contribution to Ireland’s export-led economic recovery,” Minister Coveney said.

He said that the increase in the value of farm production, which is driving expansion, has been greatest on pig farms, followed by dairy and beef farms.

Comparing the 2007-2009 average production to the latest position, pig output value has increased 53%, surpassing a 50% Food Harvest target.

Milk output value has grown 40%, compared to a 50% Food Harvest target. Cattle output value has grown 38%, compared to a 20% target, and sheep output value has grown 26%, compared to a 20% Food Harvest target.

The value of overall primary output is already more than three quarters of the way to its FH2020 target, while the value of both food and beverage exports, and gross value, added, is half-way there, said Minister Coveney.