Debate Held On Future Agri-Food Strategy Amid Consultation

Stakeholders in Ireland's agri-food sector are set to engage in an 'Open Policy Debate' as a consultation on the sector's future strategy continues.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD has invited some 400 delegates to discuss a range of issues that will be key to the development of the next ten-year strategy for the sector.

Consultation on the action plan was launched during the summer.

Speaking in advance of the event, Minister Creed said it offers a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to come together to consider the many complex challenges and opportunities facing the Irish agri-food sector.

"I am looking forward to hearing what stakeholders have to say particularly what new thinking and ideas can be generated to shape the direction and content of the next Agri-Food Strategy to 2030.

"We need to consider current and emerging challenges, but also the many opportunities that are opening up for the agri-food sector. Over the last 20 years, the sector has benefitted from a series of stakeholder strategies, updated every five years. This approach to strategic planning has ensured a coherent, stakeholder-led vision, which has underpinned the development of the sector. This is evidenced by the 73% increase in the value of agri-food exports since 2009, to almost €14 billion last year. Each successive strategy has attached greater importance to environmental sustainability, which Food Wise correctly identified as being equal and complementary to economic development."



(JG)