Customer Charter and Action Plan: Introduction

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine plays a key role in safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers, fishers, food producers and foresters while enhancing the contribution of the sector to the economic and social fabric of Ireland.

Our vision is for a sustainable, innovative and competitive agri-food, forestry and seafood sector.

Our mission is “To lead, enable and regulate the sector in a way that optimises its contribution to social, economic and environmental sustainability.”

As part of achieving these goals we are committed to providing our customers with the most timely, efficient and courteous service possible.

The role and responsibility of the Department is wide and varied. It incorporates a significant and broad customer base. This role includes:

• Promoting and safeguarding public, animal and plant health and animal welfare for the benefit of consumers, producers, the economy and wider society.
• Ensuring circa130,000 Farmers have access to a variety of Department schemes, services and supports.
• Contributing to the continued development of a vibrant forestry sector in Ireland which delivers on social, environmental and economic needs for communities and the rural economy.
• Supporting the sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture production and the economic development of the commercial seafood sector for the benefit of producers, processors, the rural coastal communities in which many of them operate and the economy more generally.
• Engaging collaboratively with a variety of Stakeholders to provide an optimum policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector.

Through the performance of its various roles and provision of services, the Department engages with a wide range of customers and strives to provide the best possible customer experience for all who interact with the Department.

The Department have premises in several locations nationwide, with more than 4,000 staff members. Our staff are engaged across a range of disciplines including Administrative Staff, Economists, Technical Agricultural Officers, Veterinary Inspectors, Agricultural Inspectorate, Forestry Inspectorate, Engineers, Harbour Masters, Laboratory Specialists and Services Support Staff. Please click this link for a full list of our office locations.