Minister Heydon launches the ‘Improved Liveweight Performance Action Plan’ at Food Vision 2030 committee meeting
- Published on: 26 February 2026
- Last updated on: 9 March 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, today chaired the 16th meeting of the Food Vision High-Level Implementation Committee and launched the ‘Improved Liveweight Performance Action Plan’. The action plan is a comprehensive framework that will enhance economic and environmental sustainability across Ireland's beef sector.
Developed collaboratively through consultation with stakeholders, the plan sets out a structured approach to optimising liveweight performance through a number of integrated action areas spanning farm infrastructure, genetics, nutrition, animal health and welfare and knowledge transfer. The action plan responds to Ireland's legally binding 25% agricultural emissions reduction target by 2030. Improving the liveweight performance of prime beef cattle is part of the strategy to meet this commitment.
Speaking about the importance of the ‘Improved Liveweight Performance Action Plan’ to the Food Vision 2030 ambitions, Minister Heydon remarked that:
"This plan demonstrates our commitment to improving the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the herd. The plan is not about imposing change, it is about providing farmers with the tools, knowledge and support to optimise their own systems. I want to acknowledge all those who engaged with the consultation process. This collaborative approach ensures we're working together across Teagasc, Bord Bia, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Animal Health Ireland, industry and farm organisations to realise our ambition."
The plan leverages existing support mechanisms including Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) funding, the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme, with each action identifying clear lead organisations and supporting partners for implementation.
The plan is available here.
Committee members also considered the work of the Commission on Generational Renewal, reviewed the latest market access report, heard a presentation on the Sectoral Adaptation Plan and received updates on the new Food Vision Seafood Sector Group, the Environmental Working Sub-Group Annual Report, and the Midterm Review of Food Vision 2030.
Food Vision 2030
Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, has the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry, and marine sectors, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be ‘A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems’. Food Vision 2030 was designed using a food systems approach, and is grouped around four high-level missions:
- Mission 1: A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector
- Mission 2: Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing
- Mission 3: Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad
- Mission 4: Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent
Each mission has specific goals and actions. Progress is monitored by the High-Level Implementation Committee, chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and an Annual Report detailing progress is published annually. The Food Vision 2030 dashboard has been updated, displaying baseline environmental, economic and social data for a number of key performance indicators. More information, including a new Food Vision 2030 dashboard is available online at: gov.ie - Food Vision 2030 - A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems.
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