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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., today announced the publication of his Department’s Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture Food & the Marine, 2015/2016.

Welcoming the report the Minister said that 2015 continued to show the important role the agri-food sector plays in the Irish economy. “Figures for 2015 show that the sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, contributing €26 billion in turnover and generating 10.7% of all merchandise exports. In 2015 the sector accounted for around 8.4% of total employment, making a significant contribution to employment in rural and coastal areas and ensuring the continued viability of these areas”.

Minister Creed also highlighted the publication of Food Wise 2025 last year, which sets out a ten year strategy for the agri-food sector. Minister Creed stated that “Food Wise 2025 sets out the key actions required to maximise the contribution of the sector to economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability over the next decade”.

There are challenges ahead, in particular the consequences of the UK vote last month to exit the EU, as well as ongoing commodity price volatility. Nevertheless, global demand for safe, healthy and nutritious food is continuing to grow, and Ireland is a world leader in sustainable agri-food production. In the longer term, future growth prospects remain very positive.

Minister Creed stated, “This publication provides a reference for all those who are interested in the performance of the agri-food sector.”

Minister Creed concluded “I look forward to the future development of the sector and its generation of benefits for farmers and rural Ireland, processors and manufacturers, agri-business and exporters, while protecting and enhancing our natural environment.”

NOTE FOR EDITORS:
The Annual Review & Outlook for Agriculture, Food and Marine 2015/2016 is available on the Department’s website at: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/publications/2016/