€13.7bn of food exports go to over 180 markets

Irish food exports valued at €13.7bn went to over 180 markets in 2018, according to the annual review and outlook published by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.

Minister Michael Creed said the food is produced by thousands of farmers, fishermen, and agri-food companies around the country, providing employment for 173,000 people, and is particularly important in rural and coastal areas. He said:

As a food-exporting nation, the agri-food sector has to constantly evolve in response to major international policy developments

Mr Creed said he recently launched a public consultation for a new agri-food strategy up to 2030 in response to major developments such as CAP reform, international trade negotiations, and now Brexit.

“I am confident that our shared vision for the sustainable development of the sector, as expressed in the Food Wise strategy, and the expansion of export markets, will enable us to effectively address these challenges,” he said.

Mr Creed said the public consultation for a new agri-food strategy is an opportunity for all involved to have their say and he looked forward to receiving everyone’s input.

Irish food exports valued at €13.7bn went to over 180 markets in 2018, according to the annual review and outlook published by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.