"I am delighted to publish our Annual Review and Outlook, which highlights the critical contribution of the agriculture, food and marine sector to our economy. Agri-food is Ireland’s oldest and largest indigenous exporting sector, driving economic growth across the country and supporting thousands of jobs throughout our rural and coastal communities, as well as our villages, towns and cities.

In 2024, agri-food exports reached a record €19 billion, an achievement which is a testament to the dedication of our farmers and fishers, food producers, processors, manufacturers and distributors. The Irish agri-food sector has once again demonstrated its resilience, innovation and adaptability and continues to develop new market opportunities and thrive on the world stage. The sector is globally oriented, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported annually. Demand for animal protein on international markets is increasing with population, urbanisation and affluence and the agri-food sector’s export focus ensures Ireland is well placed to play a role in meeting this demand.

Irish agri-food exports enjoy a deserved global reputation for excellence. In 2024, agri-food produce was exported to over 190 countries. Our three largest export categories by value were, Dairy, valued at €6.5 billion; Beef, valued at €3.1 billion; and Beverages, valued at €2.2 billion. The United Kingdom is consistently the top destination for Irish agri-food exports (38% by value), followed by the United States (10 %), while our largest EU markets are the Netherlands (9%), France (6%), Germany (6%) and Italy (3%). The Food, Drink & Primary Production sector accounts nearly one-third of all export sales by Irish-owned companies, directly supporting 6.1% of total employment. This significant domestic economic footprint, including its export profile, reflects the natural comparative advantages of Irish agri-food production, including our long agricultural tradition, and our global reputation for high-quality, safe and nutritious produce.”

“In 2024, over 169,300 people were employed in the sector across 133,000 farms, 2,000 fishing vessels & aquaculture sites and over 2,000 food production and beverage enterprises.

The sector is responsible for 4.6 million hectares of agricultural land and over 808,000 hectares of forestry, representing some 76% of the total land in the State. Our people are critical to our ambition for Ireland to be a “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”, as outlined in Food Vision 2030, prioritising not only economic, but also environmental and social sustainability.

“Having a strong evidence base to inform discussion, policy and sectoral planning is central to the continued and effective sustainable development of the Irish agri-food sector for the benefit of current and future generations. The data, analysis and commentary provided by the Annual Review and Outlook is valuable and comprehensive source of information on the sector and showcases the diversity and range of sectoral activities and achievements throughout 2024 and into 2025.”

“The Irish agri-food sector has continued to thrive on the world stage in 2024 and into 2025, remaining agile, resilient and competitive in responding to both the opportunities and challenges in the global market. The sector continues to build on its world-renowned reputation and strives to ensure its ongoing success into the future”.

---

Notes