Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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493. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in light of global food security concerns, if he will explain how Ireland is balancing climate policies with maintaining national food production capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4595/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The agri-food sector is Ireland's largest indigenous exporting sector. Ireland itself is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index. We also export produce to over 180 countries worldwide. The value of agri-food exports in 2024 is estimated to be €19 billion - an increase of 5% by value on the €18.1 billion achieved in 2023 – and in line with the peak levels achieved in 2022. More than 90% of our beef, sheepmeat and dairy goes to international markets, contributing significantly to global food security.

I am very aware of the twin challenges the world faces – to feed more than nine billion people and to slow global warming to 1.5 degrees above the pre-industrial period by 2050. It is critical that we work collectively to achieve our environmental targets, while maintaining food production. Transformation of our food systems can deliver positive outcomes which are critically important in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our 2050 targets and other environmental and biodiversity goals.

Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, has environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core and the ambition for Ireland as “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. Food Vision 2030 was developed by the sector for the sector and focuses on four key missions:

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 & Talent.