CAP must remain at heart of Europe as defence spending rises, minister Heydon says

(Left to right) Phil Hogan, Former EU commissioner for Trade and for Agriculture and Rural Development, Gráinne Dwyer, chair of Nuffield Ireland, Ksenija Simovic, principal policy advisor at Copa-Cogeca, Brussels and David McWilliams, economist and author at the Nuffield International Triennial Agri-Summit. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon has warned against allowing food security to become “sidelined” amid changing global priorities.

Speaking at the Nuffield International Triennial Agri-Summit on Friday, May 22, the minister said food security must be viewed as a critical component of European security alongside energy and defence.

Led by Nuffield Ireland as part of the global Nuffield International network, and supported by FBD Trust, the event brought together 300 delegates, including Nuffield scholars and leaders from agribusiness, policy and economics, to explore issues under the theme “Feed the World – Our Responsibility?”

In her opening address, Nuffield Ireland chair and 1999 Nuffield Scholar Grainne Dwyer said the pressing issues facing agriculture today were just as relevant when the Nuffield Foundation was established in the UK by William Morris, Lord Nuffield, in 1947.

"It was suggested to him that he might sponsor a travelling scholarship for established farmers who had made significant contributions to food production during war. At that time, he was deeply concerned about food security in a post-war era in the UK," she said.

Minister Martin Heydon: 'If the crisis in the Middle East or the war in Ukraine has taught us anything, it’s the importance of critical resources such as energy and food.' Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

“Lord Nuffield agreed to fund the scholarship, motivated by his own belief that good and plentiful food supply was a prerequisite for promoting the nation's health. Here we are today, 79 years later, at another conference discussing food security at a time of profound challenges.”

Ms Dwyer explained that in a world of interconnected agri-food systems food security is national security. "A drought in one region affects prices in another. A disruption to shipping lanes impacts food availability thousands of kilometres away," she said.

“Policy decisions in major economies ripple through global commodity markets almost instantly. This interconnection means that collaboration is no longer optional. It's essential."

It was a sentiment echoed several times throughout the event, including by Mr Heydon in his closing address.

“When I am at the monthly meetings of my ministerial colleagues from across the EU and they’re telling me how their governments are limiting spending in other areas to increase their investment in defence, I remind them that food security is a critical part of a more secure Europe,” he said.

He said recent global events, including the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East, had highlighted the importance of maintaining resilient food systems.

If the crisis in the Middle East or the war in Ukraine has taught us anything, it’s the importance of critical resources such as energy and food. 

The minister said ensuring CAP remained “well-resourced” and “ambitious” would be a key priority as Ireland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1.

“[The presidency] falls at a pivotal time, where Europe must strengthen its competitiveness, security, resilience and sustainability,” he said.

“My focus in negotiations will be to ensure that Ireland retains sufficient flexibility to design a CAP programme that reflects the realities of Irish farming and supports family farms. Food security is a pillar of global security and the basis of global stability and should be a priority for us all.” 

Mr Heydon also strongly defended the role of food production, arguing that countries such as Ireland had a responsibility to contribute to feeding a growing global population. “When the question is asked, is it our responsibility to feed the world? I say absolutely. Because if not us, then who?” he said.

The minister said the world’s population is expected to reach almost 10 billion by 2050, with agricultural demand projected to increase by around 50% compared to 2013 levels. He also pointed to Ireland’s strong food security ranking, saying the country was currently ranked second out of 113 countries in the latest Global Food Security Index.