'Food Wise 2015' was launched today by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, Ministers of State Tom Hayes and Ann Phelan.
It sets out a comprehensive plan for the development of Ireland’s agri-food sector over the next ten years.
Food Wise 2025 predicts that over the next decade Ireland can increase the value of agri food exports by 85% to €19 billion, increase value added to the sector by 70% to €13 billion and
increase the value of primary production by 65% to €10 billion.
Furthermore, the report indicates that this should deliver a further 23,000 jobs in the agri food sector by 2025.
An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny said, "The Government is rebuilding an economy that is enterprise focused and can support sustainable full employment by 2018. This means growing each enterprise sector across the economy and creating jobs in all four corners of Ireland.
Ireland's agri-food industry has led the way in Ireland's recovery. Food Wise 2025 builds on this success by identifying smarter and greener ways to deliver sustainable growth so that it can contribute to our ongoing recovery."
Minister Coveney added, "Ireland’s agri-food industry is on a sustainable journey, one that is connecting local communities across the island to vast and diverse food markets around the globe.
Food Wise 2025 sets out a vision for the industry to continue along this path of sustainable growth and recognises the strategic importance of specific market and consumer insights if emerging global opportunities are to be fully realised in the decade ahead."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
