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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD today launched  the Department’s Annual Report for 2020.

Commenting on the report, the Minister stated “Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit uncertainty, agriculture remains Ireland’s most important indigenous industry. The agriculture and food sector continued to play a vital role in Ireland’s economy in 2020, contributing to 7.1% of total employment, along with agri-food exports accounting for 8.8% of total exports with a value of €14.2 billion. The farmers, fishers and food producers are the bedrock of sector and ensure we can continue to play a key role as one of the leading food exporters in the world. ”

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine produced this Annual Report as an overview of key developments in its work on behalf of Ireland’s agri-food sector.

This year’s publication sets out the major activities undertaken in 2020, as the Department continued to implement the five strategic goals outlined in the Department’s previous Statement of Strategy. These include promoting and safeguarding public, animal and plant health for the benefit of consumers, producers, and the wider economy, and providing income and market supports that underpin the rural economy and the environment.  The Department’s latest Statement of Strategy was published on www.gov.ie in April 2021, supported by an Action Plan for 2021.