Ireland’s agri-food industry remains a key component of the countries modern economy. The sector accounts for some eight per cent (8%) of GDP and a similar proportion of total employment, amounting to over 160,000 jobs. It accounts for a major proportion of exports of Irish-owned enterprises and its products are sold in over 170 markets around the world.
In 2008, Irish agri-food and drinks exports were approximately €8.6bn The UK was the main destination for Irish agri-food and drink exports in 2008 accounting for 43% of all exports. 33% of exports went to Continental EU markets while the remaining 24% went to International markets.
The latest estimates of the distribution of Irish agri-food and drink exports in 2008 by sector were as follows:
- Dairy products and ingredients (27%),
- Beef (21%),
- Prepared consumer foods (19%),
- Beverages (15%),
- Pig meat and poultry (7%),
- Seafood (4%) and
- Sheep and sheep meat (2%),
- Edible horticulture (3%).
Beef:
Irish beef production is predominately a grass based system, with 537,000 tonnes produced in 2008. In 2008, Ireland exported an estimated 463,000 tonnes of beef worth approximately €1.687 billion.
Sheepmeat:
During 2008, Ireland exported an estimated 41,500 tonnes of sheepmeat which was valued at approximately €166 million. France is the main market for Irish sheepmeat exports, accounting for approximately 51% of total exports in 2008. The UK is also a substantial export market, taking 30% of shipments.
Pigmeat:
In 2008, Ireland exported an estimated 131,000 tonnes worth approximately €360 million. The UK was the main market for Irish pigmeat taking over 53% of total exports. Continental EU markets accounted for 29% of pigmeat exports while the remaining 18% went to International markets.
Dairy:
In 2007, total milk output (inc. imports) amounted to 5,600 million litres. From this ouput 496 million litres was consumed as liquid milk. In addition to this 141,000 tonnes of butter and 127,000 tonnes of cheese were produce. In 2008, total dairy exports were estimated to be €2.02bn.
Prepared Consumer Foods:
With exports of €2.68 billion, primarily to the UK, the sector is comprised of a number of large scale producers of branded products as well as a number of smaller companies focussed on specialised foods such as functional foods, genuine organic products, ethnic foods and traditional Irish fare.
Food production in the Republic of Ireland is supported and administered by a number of state agencies. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is the primary regulator of food production but other government areas such as the Department of Health also play a significant role.
Many important functions are delegated to agencies which operate under general mandates established by acts of parliament (Dáil Eireann). Their independence from the central structures of government allows them to function more effectively in the commercial and technical spheres.
Expansion of food consumption at home and abroad, food safety, education of growers and producers are all tasks delegated to state agencies.
State Departments & Agencies for the Food & Drink Industry.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food
The Department promotes the development of the agricultural, food & horticultural industries. Its main activities include the operation and implementation of EU schemes and regulation, the provision of grants for farm improvements, the operation of measures to improve livestock and horticultural production, the control & elimination of animal disease, ensuring quality control in marketing & processing, & the formulation and operation of land policy.
www.agriculture.gov.ie
Bord Bia
Bord Bia (Irish Food Board) is the agency charged with the promotion of Irish food at home and abroad.
BIM
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is the statutory authority responsible for the development of the commercial seafood industry, including aquaculture. The principal development functions are incorporated in four mainline management divisions: Aquaculture & Planning; Fisheries Development; Marine Services.
www.bim.ie
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the main agency concerned with indigenous industrial development. We are also responsible for inward investment in food.
www.enterprise-ireland.com
The Food Safety Authority (FSAI)
The Food Safety Authority (FSAI) was set up in 1998 to oversee all aspects of food safety for the food consumer. It establishes standards of hygiene in food production and at point of sale and advises consumers in safe food preparation. The Authority embraces functions that were previously allocated to the Department of Agriculture and of Health, including the Area Health Boards.
www.fsai.ie
The Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is responsible for the provision of a range of statutory services related to marine research development, environemntal monitoring, food safety & natural resource protection consistent with the Marine Institute Act and with other Irish and EU legislation.These include: Seafood Policy & Development advice; Costal Zone Management Advice; Seafood Safety Advice & Services; Shellfish Waters; Residues in Aquaculture; Fish Health Advice; Engineering Advice; Research Services & Vessels.
www.marine.gov.iv
Teagasc
Teagasc is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture & food industry and rural communities. It was established in September 1988 under the Agriculture (Research, Training & Advice) Act, 1988. Teagasc is a leading research institute in Ireland, undertaking innovative research in the areas of bioscience, agriculture production, food, the environment and the rural economy.
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