It is a great pleasure to be here with you his morning and to have the opportunity to address some of the key players in one of Ireland’s most important indigenous industries.
The events of the past two weeks have shone the world’s spotlight on Ireland. The successful visits of Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama, and the positive images broadcast around the world, have put Ireland firmly back on the world stage – for the right reasons.
Standing in front of the electorate just a few months ago I knew that the new Government would need two key fundamental qualities if Ireland inc. is to succeed: the ability to be inspired by an unprecedented challenge, and the insight to recognise the potential of industries that will drive real growth, long lasting recovery and job creation.
As we approach the milestone of 100 Days in Government, this is something that remains imperative into the next 100 Days and beyond.Agri-food Industry
Ireland’s success depends on our ability to develop and sustainably grow in areas where we have real and tangible competitive advantages.
The food industry is one such area.
We need this industry to succeed in order for the economy to recover.
This Government is fully supportive of the aims and objectives of Food Harvest 2020 and its vision of an agri-food sector with realistic exciting growth targets that is green, smart and sustainable.
Ireland has the skills, the ambition and the resources to help meet this enormous challenge. In doing so, we will build a sustainable future in local communities across this island.
But we will not achieve this alone.
By working together we will build on our strengths as a source of excellence and develop a reputation for Ireland that is worthy of our outputs and we will realise the long-term value, growth and employment potential of this sector.
This is an industry that has always excelled at partnership.
Initiatives such as the innovative Bord Bia Marketing Fellowship here in the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, involving both high level academic content and overseas market placements, will help contribute strong levels of export led growth.
Your discussions here this morning will play an important role in developing ideas and plans for the future. I know that the report by Mary Shelman and David Bell of the Harvard Business School has kick-started an open and fruitful conversation on the future direction of the food and drink industry as well as a range of initiatives, led by Bord Bia, that have the industry’s buy in and support.Economy
Since coming into office, everything this Government has done has had two central aims: to win back people’s confidence at home and abroad, and that Ireland is a great place to do business.
In doing what you do best, you are not only winning business for Ireland, but playing the role of ambassadors – and highlighting what is best in our country.
Each of your successes contributes to restoring our international reputation and our national confidence, and signals our determination to move on and begin afresh.
The Programme for Government, clearly commits to improving Ireland’s overall business competitiveness.
One of the guiding principles of this Government is to ensure that by 2016, Ireland is globally recognised as the best small country in the world in which to do business.
Two weeks ago we introduced a jobs initiative to help businesses create new jobs and new opportunities.
Minister Coveney will explain in more detail the work being specifically undertaken in the agri-food sector to help remove red tape and reduce unnecessary burdens.
Equally, I challenge you to take the Food Harvest 2020 goals and run with them. Do what you can from an industry perspective to build partnerships and introduce efficiencies that will capitalise on Ireland’s potential as a food island.Demand for Sustainable Food Production
Ireland has a critical role to play in meeting the world’s growing need for food.
As a result of global population growth and increasing affluence, future demand for agricultural products is expected to grow at about 1.4 percent per year to 2030. By 2050, we will need 70% more food to meet global demand.
Irish food and drink products are already sold in 170 countries around the world and are growing their share in new markets and established ones. The exceptional export growth of 11% last year confirmed this.
At the same time the world faces significant threats from climate change. The world must reduce greenhouse gas emissions very significantly in the decades ahead.
Ireland’s greenhouse gas mitigation target for 2020 presents a unique climate policy challenge, given the size of the agriculture sector and the scale of emission associated with it.
However, at the same time we know that Ireland is among the most emission-efficient producers of food in Europe. It is important that we continue to improve the carbon intensity of food production, including through research and collaboration, to take advantage of the projected demand for sustainable food production.
This is where the future of food production lies, and I am confident that Ireland is well place to capitalise on our existing comparative advantage.Conclusion
I recognise that delivering real change is an absolute imperative if we are to set the economy firmly on the road to growth.
Clearly, we have to live with some of the mistakes of the past but nothing that has happened should, or will, prevent us from planning for a better and a brighter future.
The food and drink industry provides the perfect role model for an economy that can build its wealth through sustainable output rather than volatile speculation.
My commitment, and the commitment of the Government, is to work with you and to help you meet the ambitious goals you are setting for yourselves.
Thank you for inviting me here today. I wish you a successful summit and a thought-provoking day.