Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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494. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide assurances that Irish agriculture policy is prioritising food security and self-sufficiency, particularly in light of potential supply chain disruptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4596/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest available Global Food Security Index.

The resilience of the Irish food supply chain was clearly demonstrated in recent years when dealing with the effects of Brexit, international lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and various supply chain impacts from the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe. Our CAP Strategic Plan supports food security and supply chain resilience, within a budget of €9.8bn over its term to 2027. My Department also participates in the European Food Security Crisis Mechanism aimed at ensuring process are in place to deal with any disruptions.

Ireland’s approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food is set out in Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder-led strategy. Its vision is for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”, encompassing environmental, economic and social sustainability. It was designed using a food systems approach, recognising the requirement to have greater policy coherence across agriculture, food, and the environment and the involvement of all of the food system stakeholders. Goals are grouped around four high-level Missions:

• Mission 1: A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector.
• Mission 2: Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing.
• Mission 3: Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad.
• Mission 4: Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent.