Press Release
Taoiseach Micheál Martin today gave the keynote address at an event to discuss Food Vision 2030, the shared strategy for the sustainable development of the Irish agri-food sector, with its stated ambition to be a ‘World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems’. Food Vision was developed by a Committee of stakeholders, independently chaired by Tom Arnold, and will act as framework to guide the sector to achieve it missions and goals in the decade ahead. The well-attended event in Dublin Castle heard from guest speakers who provided an international perspective, and from a number of panels exploring the development and implementation of Food Vision 2030 through its four key missions.
The Taoiseach said,
“Food Vision is a landmark strategy for creating sustainability in all its forms, environmental, economic and social. It is an ambitious strategy for the sector, by the sector, and outlines a strong and sustainable future for our farmers, fishers, foresters, and food & drink companies. The Irish agri-food industry has shown, through the challenges over the past number of years, that it can be agile and responsive when change is required – and Food Vision is an important element of this transition.”
Minister of State Pippa Hackett added,
“Food Vision aims for a climate-smart, environmentally sustainable agri-food sector. In the coming years to 2030, Ireland will work towards a climate-neutral food system encompassing emissions reductions; carbon sequestration; and improved biodiversity, water quality and air quality. We will continue to help farmers to play their part in this transition in a way that can bolster their financial and economic sustainability. Together we can achieve better ways of working, by embracing new, diversified systems of agriculture, meeting standards required for greater premiumisation that can offer higher market returns, and rewarding farmers for the delivery of a range of eco-system services.”
Minister of State Martin Heydon concluded,
“The third mission of Food Vision 2030 - “Safe, Nutritious and Appealing Food, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad” – is the bedrock on which the agri-food sector is built. By prioritising coherent food and health policies for better health outcomes; enhancing consumer trust in our food system; and creating value-add through innovation and product differentiation; we can develop market and trade opportunities both at home and abroad. This will be to the benefit of primary producers and the rural communities in which they live and also the wider industry. Our goal of continued improvement and development of the sector will be enabled through Food Vision’s fourth mission “An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent”.