Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The COP28 UAE Declaration On Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action affirms that agriculture and food systems must urgently adapt and transform in order to respond to the imperatives of climate change. It states that “to achieve these aims - according to our own national circumstances - we commit to expedite the integration of agriculture and food systems into our climate action and, simultaneously, to mainstream climate action across our policy agendas and actions related to agriculture and food systems”.

This is the first time the COP Presidency has prioritised the link between climate policy and the food system. As a food producing nation, it is critically important that Irish agriculture and food participated and I attended COP to highlight the importance of Sustainable Food Systems and the Irish experience.

I held a series of important bilaterals at COP and these engagements were an important opportunity to highlight the considerable work being done in Ireland to address the challenges of climate change and food security through innovation and systemic change. Through sharing our experience, we hope to play a key role in the global transformation of food systems which will be of benefit to all and lead to more sustainable outcomes. I co-hosted an event with the COP Presidency, UAE, entitled “A Sustainable Food Systems Approach to Innovation for Climate Action” and also participated in the event hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce, “Reducing Methane from Food and Agriculture”.

Food Vision 2030 is our shared strategy for the continuing development of the agri-food sector in Ireland, developed for the sector by the sector. Food Vision is a landmark for the Irish agri-food sector with the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors in the period to 2030, with sustainability at its core. Food Vision adopts a systems approach, one of the first agri-food strategies to do so globally, and aims for Ireland to be a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems. It sets out four high-level Missions for all stakeholders to work towards:1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector. 2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being 3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad. 4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent

I am committed to leading on Food Vision as we seek to deliver on our environmental, economic and social sustainability ambitions. I established a High Level Implementation Committee and have already chaired nine meetings, where we have examined a wide range of issues. I am pleased to say that implementation of Food Vision 2030 is well underway, with many of its actions commenced.

Ireland is a leading voice in advocating for global food systems transformation, based on an appreciation of the central importance of farming, fishing and food production to rural and coastal communities and of course to global food security. The urgency to transform our agri-food systems in a holistic way cannot be understated. We must strive for a resilient model which is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable; a model that provides healthy affordable diets for all. My Department has strongly supported the UN Food Systems Summit process and are working with partners globally to promote sustainable food systems approaches.