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.