Dr. Cawley, Prof. Boyle, CEO’s of Ireland’s food companies,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am delighted to be here today to officially launch the Teagasc Technology and Knowledge Transfer Strategy for the Food Industry and to open the Food Innovation Gateways Exhibition.
It always gives me great pleasure to address representatives of the food industry.
During these challenging times for the economy the food and drink industry has stood out as a fantastic success story for Ireland Inc.
Today it continues to be a major part of Ireland’s export led recovery. In 2011, exports increased by almost 11% to €8.9bn, reversing the declines in 2008–2009 and establishing a new record.
Employing 135,000 people all over the country in 1,100 different enterprises, the food and drink sector is responsible for an impressive 18% of Ireland’s total industry output.
In all my recent travels to the United States, China, Britain and across Europe the one sector Ireland is most recognised for is its top quality food and drink.
It is something that we all take great pride in.
But recent successes aren’t good enough. There can be no resting on laurels. Minister Coveney knows this and so do you working in the industry.
The world population will exceed 9 billion in 2050 and the proportion living in urban areas is expected to rise from 50% to 70%.
The OECD has recently indicated that there will be around 3 billion middle class consumers in Asia by 2030.
These developments and challenges will change the face of food production worldwide and we better be ready.
We already have a number of advantages: Ireland has a sustainable, grass–based production system with a low–carbon footprint, very high standards of food safety, a proven capacity to export to international markets and the presence of some market leading food and drink companies.
So where do we go next?
The answer is of course innovation, research and being proactive in evolving the nature of food and drink production.
Today, we are here to view first hand, some of the innovative technologies and expertise now available within Teagasc.
We can get a flavour of the innovations that will underpin the future development of Ireland’s agri-food and fisheries sector.
Having read through the descriptions of the stands on display today I can honestly say that I am blown away by the advanced science and technology at play in what was once considered a ‘traditional’ industry.
Innovation is at the heart of every successful economy.
It is the means by which our largest indigenous sector will benefit from an incredible opportunity - an opportunity to boost Ireland’s export returns and approach €10bn in annual export revenues by the end of 2015.
I am delighted, therefore, to see that Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara are supporting today’s event.
In addition, the strategic Food Innovation Alliance between Teagasc and University College Cork is a real example of how collaboration can lead to increased efficiencies and effectiveness between two organisations in underpinning innovation in the food industry.
As you may know I have set the target of making Ireland the best small country in the world in which to do business by 2016.
The Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and the Food Harvest 2020 strategy outlines our plans for the development of the sector, the creation of new jobs and for increasing exports.
The Action Plan has identified 17 actions specific to the agri-food industry. Many of these actions are aligned to today’s event and I commend Teagasc for taking such an initiative and leading the way in bringing new and innovative technologies to the Irish food industry community.
My Government is committed to the Action Plan for Jobs and Food Harvest 2020 and I can assure you that we have the drive, the enthusiasm and the ability to deliver on these ambitious plans – but we can only do this by working together.
Ireland’s Food industry can play a leading role in this transformation through uptake of the technologies being showcased here today.
In this context, I was delighted to hear of some of the key relationships that were strengthened with our companies during the recent Irish agri-food trade mission to China led by Minister Coveney.
The Government has been working hard in recent months to restore the international reputation of Ireland. Irish businesses exporting globally have played a big role in improving the standing of Ireland Inc.
We are now seen as a country that is on the right track and serious about tackling our problems.
This has led to increased international confidence in Ireland as a place in which to invest and in which to do business.
Ireland’s place secure in the heart of Europe has continued to attract in new investment and is also hugely beneficial for the Irish agri food industry.
I wish you all every success in your endeavours and I encourage you to meet with the experts within Teagasc and discuss your current and future research and innovation requirements with them.
It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to now officially launch the Teagasc Technology and Knowledge Transfer Strategy and open the Food Innovation Gateways Exhibition.