Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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78. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that agri-food production in this country continues to be recognised as a central part of the economy, with major job creation in both urban and rural settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25203/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Farming and the agri-food sector is a hugely important aspect our economy but also our society. It is a sector that drives economic growth in every rural parish in every county of the country.

Agri-food sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous exporting sector, playing a vital role in Ireland’s economy. The sector accounts for almost 7% of Gross National Income (GNI) and 9% of exports in value terms. Irish food and drink was exported to over 180 markets worldwide last year, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported annually. In 2022, exports of agri-food products were a record €18.8 billion, up by over €3.2 billion, or 21%, from the 2021 figure of €15.6 billion.

In 2022, the sector employed around 165,000 people, representing 6.5% of total employment in the country, but an even greater proportion in rural and coastal areas. This consisted of 95,500 people working in primary agriculture and 5,700 in forestry and fishing. Manufacture of food products and beverages employed 48,800 and 9,000 people respectively, while there were 6,000 people employed in wood and wood processing.

Beyond direct employment, the sector plays a key role in the wider economy, with estimates for output multipliers ranging from around 2.5 for beef, 2.0 for dairy and food processing and 1.75 for seafood. This compares with an average output multiplier of 1.4 for the rest of the economy and 1.2 for foreign owned firms.

Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s shared strategy for the agri-food sector, has the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. Food Vision’s goals are grouped around four high-level Missions for the sector:

1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology & Talent

The Government recognises the vital role that agri-food plays in Ireland. This is evident in the strong support provided to farmers, fishers and the sector generally, and in the level of importance that the Government places on achieving our economic, environmental and social sustainability goals.