About the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

1. Our Vision
2. Our Mission
3. Our Strategic Goals
4. Our Services

5. Our Values
6. Agriculture in Ireland
7. Briefing for Ministers 2020

Our Vision

Our vision is of an innovative and sustainable agri-food sector operating to the highest standards.

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve the government and people of Ireland by leading, developing and regulating the agri-food sector, protecting public health and optimising social, economic and environmental benefits.

Our Strategic Goals

to promote and safeguard public, animal and plant health and animal welfare for the benefit of consumers producers and wider society
provide income and market supports to underpin the rural economy and the environment
provide the optimum policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector
deliver a sustainable, growth driven sector focused on competitiveness and innovation driven by a skilled workforce delivering value added products in line with market demands
maintain and develop strategic, operational, regulatory and technical capacity to achieve operational excellence

Our Services

we formulate national and EU policies to support the strategic development of the agri- food sector
we regulate the sector to ensure it operates to the highest standards
we design schemes and deliver supports for the sector, in collaboration with stakeholders
we seek to be innovative and adaptive in the delivery of our services

Our Values

a deep-rooted public service ethos of independence, integrity and impartiality
a strong commitment to diversity, gender equality and the fair and equal treatment of all
a culture of accountability, transparency, efficiency and value for money
the highest standards of professionalism, leadership and probity
we work together to deliver our services effectively and to achieve the most efficient outcomes

Agriculture in Ireland

The agriculture, food manufacturing and marine sectors in Ireland account for:

7.5% of GNI in 2018
7.1% of employment in 2019
9.5% of total merchandising exports and 11.2% of total merchandising imports in 2019

The Irish Government's commitment to the agri-food sector remains strong. In the Estimate for 2020, the Exchequer is providing €1.6 billion for Programme Expenditure for agriculture, fisheries and food. Total public expenditure will amount to over €3 billion when the department's Vote is combined with EU funding of €1.5 billion.

Briefing for Ministers 2020

Briefing for Ministers 2020