Ireland's Food, Drink, Horticulture Exports Hit Record €19 Billion in 2023

Ireland's food, drink, and horticulture exports reached a record €19 billion in 2023, a 12 percent increase, according to Bord Bia. This growth occurred despite challenges from inflation, changing consumer behaviors, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Irish innovators are crucial to this success, developing solutions in farm equipment, livestock, crop cultivation, animal health, and smart farming. TJ Hughes of Enterprise Ireland notes that many agritech companies have farming roots, enabling them to create practical, efficient solutions. AI-driven technologies and R&D investment are vital for evolving products and keeping pace with market dynamics.

Emma Walls, CEO of the National Dairy Council, believes farming, especially dairy, is an underappreciated economic engine. Global brands like Kerrygold and Baileys, along with innovations from groups such as Kerry and Carbery, have elevated Ireland's reputation for premium food and moved commodity goods into high-value areas like nutraceuticals. Farming also supports rural economies, outperforming tourism in its overall economic benefit.

Ireland ranks second globally for food security among 113 states, according to the Global Food Security Index, behind Finland. Its food supply chain has shown resilience against Brexit, Covid, and the war in Ukraine, aided by EU membership and the Common Agricultural Policy. However, Kevin Hanrahan of Teagasc highlights that while Ireland is a net exporter of meat and dairy, it imports fruits, vegetables, grains, and oilseeds. Current geopolitical events, such as the US and Israel's war on Iran affecting fertilizer supply, underscore the need for Ireland to potentially increase local production of consumed goods and reconsider its approach to fertilizer, possibly through anaerobic digesters, despite being a wealthy country insulated from the worst shortages.