ICMSA say delivery of €17 billion of agri-food exports is “a huge achievement"

The delivery to the Irish economy of a record €17 billion of exports in 2024 is testament to the hard work and ingenuity of Irish farmers and the food industry, according to Denis Drennan, President of ICMSA.

He added that the results were even more notable given that 2024 was actually an extremely difficult year for farming and the figures highlighted -yet again - the hugely important role played by our largest indigenous industry in delivering net foreign earnings back and into every townland in Ireland – as opposed to the accounting balances of specific companies. 

It is also important to note that these exports - when considered on a net foreign earnings basis - are much more significant given their low import content and the fact that vast revenue generated is retained within Ireland and not ‘repatriated’ anywhere.

“These figures underline the enormous potential of our modern sustainable food sector in Ireland, and it is important that the next Programme for Government acknowledges this potential, sets out measures to develop its potential on a sustainable basis, and takes a proactive approach to its development rather than the negative approach of the previous Government.  

“Ireland is now and can continue to be a leader in sustainable food production, we can build on these exports and makes agriculture attractive to the next generation.

“But this requires sensible policies and most particularly policy based on collaboration with farmers working on defined objectives - as opposed to ‘top-down’ negativity which has been the policy for the last number of years”, said Mr. Drennan.  

Mr. Drennan concluded by noting that the EU appears to have changed its approach and is belatedly recognising the importance of sustainable food production.

He said the Irish Government should do the same and allow us to develop a sustainable growth orientated food sector delivering for the Irish economy and family incomes in a way that can attract the next generation of farmers.