Food Vision 2030

2030. The strategy will outline the vision and key objectives, with associated actions, required to ensure the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the agri- food sector in the decade ahead. The Committee’s report will be short, specific and cross-sectoral, with ambitious but realistic actions. MEMBERSHIP Tom Arnold Chairperson Paul Finnerty Co-Founder & Chairman, Pat Murphy Chair, IBEC Dairy industry Yield Lab Europe Ireland and CEO, Kerry Sharon Buckley Group Commercial Director, Ireland Musgraves Thia Hennessy Dean & Chair Agri- Economics, UCC Larry Murrin IBEC Prepared Consumer Laura Burke Director General, EPA Foods Council and CEO, Liam Herlihy Chair, Teagasc Ailish Byrne Head of Agri, Ulster Bank Dawn Farm Foods Martin Higgins Chair, FSAI Kieran Calnan Chair, Bord Iascaigh Mhara Colm O'Donnell President, INHFA Caroline Keeling CEO, Keelings Philip Carroll Chair, IBEC Meat Industry Sean O'Donoghue CEO, Killybegs Fishermen’s Ireland Jerry Long President, ICOS Organisation Karen Ciesielski* Coordinator, Environmental Oliver Loomes Chair, IBEC Drinks Ireland Dolores O'Riordan Director, UCD Institute for Pillar and Ireland Director & Food and Health Frank Convery Senior Partner, EnvEcon Chairman, Diageo Terence O'Rourke Chair, Enterprise Ireland Dan MacSweeney Chair, Bord Bia Edmond Phelan President, ICSA Tim Cullinan President, IFA Pat McCormack President, ICMSA Alice Stanton Professor, Royal College Thomas Duffy President, Macra na Feirme of Surgeons in Ireland & Tom Moran Former Secretary General, Brendan Dunford Manager, Burren Programme DAFM Director for Human Health, Devenish Julie Ennis Country President, Sodexo Brian Murphy Chair, IBEC Forest Industries Ireland Ireland and CEO, Balcas Siobhán Talbot CEO, Glanbia * Karen Ciesielski withdrew from the Committee on February 25th 2021 6 Agri-Food Strategy 2030 – Stakeholder Committee Absent from picture – Karen Ciesielski, Tim Cullinan, Liam Herlihy, Martin Higgins, Oliver Loomes, Dan McSweeney, Brian Murphy, Pat Murphy, Seán O’Donoghue, Terence O’Rourke. 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8 THE VISION The 2030 Vision for Ireland’s Agri-Food Sector Ireland will become a world leader sector. By adopting an integrated in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) food systems approach, Ireland over the next decade. This will will seek to become a global leader deliver significant benefits for the of innovation for sustainable food Irish agri-food sector itself, for Irish and agriculture systems, producing society and the environment. In safe, nutritious, and high-value food demonstrating the Irish agri-food that tastes great, while protecting sector meets the highest standards and enhancing our natural and of sustainability – economic, cultural resources and contributing environmental, and social – this to vibrant rural and coastal will also provide the basis for the communities and the national future competitive advantage of the economy. 9 To realise this Vision, the Strategy has adopted four high level M Missions for the agri- n 1 iss food sector to work io Viab le a n2 rt, ainable M P nd towards in the period to iss a io

2030. Sm ust Enh rod Re e ly S ctor an uc s al Se ce e Envi A C d d rim ary ron lim tP Ag men at en th ili , wi eing ri- t rs ellb Fo W o Food Vision e a iv at A g 2030 g, fe, N nov t n e a Trus utri A n I n s i li e n e c h nd ted tious e T Ab and and R n by , sS roa Drive r i- C o m i d ol Fo pe o g o d titi v hich alin m w e y a Sec e Food App t Ho nd to a n d ed a Tale r, M 3 io Valu iss n nt iss io n 4 M 10 THE WIDER CONTEXT their endeavours, but also in helping to deliver on environmental and social sustainability. The social reductions, on the Irish fishing industry and on the coastal communities that depend on fisheries. In its AND THE NEED FOR A sustainability of primary producers is all too often an over-looked dimension. Social factors such as interim report, published in June 2021, the Taskforce recommends that a voluntary tie-up scheme be put TEN YEAR AGRI-FOOD generational renewal, gender balance, education and in place for the period September to December for STRATEGY training, health and safety, mental health and wellbeing and broader rural development need to be considered the approximately 220 polyvalent vessels and beam trawlers directly impacted by the quota transfers For the purposes of this Strategy, the Irish agri-food and improved. under the TCA. The interim report also recommends sector includes primary agriculture, food and drink a range of initiatives to address the quota reductions Negotiations on the new Common Agricultural Policy processing and manufacturing, fisheries, aquaculture in the TCA. These recommended actions will be (CAP) are being finalised at the time of writing this and fish processing, forestry and forestry processing considered further by the Taskforce and will be set Strategy. The next CAP will provide in excess of €10.6 and the equine sector. It is Ireland’s oldest and largest down in detail in the Taskforce’s main report. billion in EU funding to farmers and rural communities indigenous industry. In 2020, the sector accounted in the period from 2023 to 2027. Ireland has been The European Green Deal, Circular Economy and for almost 7% of modified Gross National Income consistent on the need for a strong CAP and has also Biodiversity Strategies, as well as higher health and (GNI*) and 10% of exports in value terms. It employs stressed the need to ensure better environmental environmental ambition in the Farm to Fork Strategy approximately 164,400 people, representing 7.1% of and climate outcomes for the CAP. Central to that will be reflected in the next common agricultural total employment. At primary production level, some environmental ambitions is the protection of farm and fisheries policies, will have consequences for 137,500 farms, over 770,000 hectares of forest, over incomes and a just and inclusive transition. Meanwhile, primary producers. Taken together, they will require 2,000 fishing vessels and some 180 aquaculture sites the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is reviewed substantial change in how we farm and fish, manage produced an estimated €8.5 billion in output in 2019. every 10 years and the next review is scheduled our forests and how we process, distribute and The agri-food sector grew substantially over the past to be completed by end 2022 when the European consume food and bio-based products. Coupled with decade, with Irish food and drink exports increasing Commission will report to the European Parliament national policy developments, higher standards and from by 60% from €8.9 billion in 2010 to €14.2 billion and the Council on the functioning of the CFP. When constraints across a range of indicators can add to in 2020. The sector produces food and ingredients the report has been presented, if any changes are the cost of production. While the Strategy supports with a global reputation for quality and safety, with required, the Commission will bring forward a proposal the direction of these policies, Ireland will need to a livestock sector built on an enviable grass based for an amendment of the CFP Regulation. Ireland proactively engage to influence the direction of production system. Global demand for high quality will be seeking that the upcoming review of the CFP the implementing regulations under each of these food is increasing with population, urbanization and must address the disproportionate impact on the Irish initiatives, to take account of national circumstances affluence, and the Irish agri-food sector is well placed fishing industry by Brexit. The new EU-UK Trade and and legitimate interests and concerns. In addition, to play a role in meeting this demand. Cooperation Agreement (TCA) will have a particularly detailed impact assessments will need to take place. significant impact on the seafood sector. A Seafood Consideration will be needed as to where the burden PRIMARY PRODUCERS Sector Taskforce has been established to examine the of these costs will lie, with the primary producer, Primary producers – farmers, fishers and forest implications arising from the TCA for the sector and food distributors or processors, retail, food service, owners – are fundamental to this Strategy and are the the coastal communities who depend on it. The Task consumers or public funds. It is clear that primary foundation for the entire sector. Primary producers’ Force, involving seafood industry representatives producers alone cannot be expected to bear this cost. economic viability is crucial not only in terms of their and other stakeholders, will recommend measures ability to make a decent livelihood and return for to mitigate the impacts of the fish quota share 11 THE ENVIRONMENT not only of the Irish population, but millions more trends in the domestic market, accelerated during the across the globe. Exporting around 90% of output, Covid-19 pandemic, will also open up new and exciting Agriculture has a key role in protecting both our feeding and nourishing people at home and abroad, opportunities for businesses in the coming decade. climate and environmental credentials. The sector is the sector has a lot to be proud of. Indeed, its role the largest contributor to Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around a third, and from an in ensuring safe, secure supplies of quality food and INNOVATION, COMPETITIVENESS, drink was brought to the fore during the COVID-19 TECHNOLOGY AND TALENT air quality perspective is almost exclusively responsible pandemic, and this has re-awakened consumer for ammonia emissions. While challenging from an With highly competitive global markets, the sector appreciation for where their food comes from and how Irish perspective, and unusual in an international has to work hard to protect its reputation and it is produced, processed, distributed and sold. context, these facts are reflective of the economic, continuously strive to innovate and maintain a and historical, importance of agriculture in Ireland, Food security and nutrition is a key component level of competitiveness and resilience that enables relative to other industries. As the predominant land of Sustainable Food Systems, particularly the link it to prosper and develop in a globalised trading use in Ireland, agriculture exerts significant pressure between food and health. It is important that the environment. on water quality. Changes in agriculture, forestry and sector contributes to ensuring coherent food and An effective innovation system, a strategic approach fishing activities have also impacted on biodiversity health policies that deliver improved health outcomes. to R&D funding and an engaged and responsive on land and sea. While overall bovine numbers have National and international consumer and trade knowledge exchange environment are fundamental. remained relatively stable, the removal of milk quotas customer trends are evolving and complex. However The decade between 2020 and 2030 is likely to see has led to an expansion in the dairy herd, resulting one aspect that can be considered a constant is an even greater advancements in the use of technology in particular environmental pressures. However expectation that the food and drink is safe, traceable and data in farming, fishing and forests and in food all farming systems have a role to play in reducing and authentic, and produced, processed and sold in a and drink companies. Precision agriculture is evolving agriculture’s impact on climate and the environment. transparent, ethical manner. Ireland’s agri-food sector at a rapid rate and it is critical that Ireland’s agri-food Facing into the decade to 2030, the agri-food sector already has a strong reputation, but must continue sector is positioned to take advantage of this. can make significant and urgent improvements in to assess its own performance and evolve to keep up A further key fundamental is having the optimum mix its environmental footprint. With leadership from with changing demands in these areas. The need for of diverse, skilled, and appropriately trained talent. The stakeholders, the sector can take the steps necessary in-depth consumer insight, and the creation of value sector has to compete with many others in attracting to improve its environmental performance and protect added through innovation and product differentiation, and retaining people from primary production level and enhance its reputation as a sustainable producer is hugely important. right up to consumer interfacing positions. of quality food. It will also mean that Ireland can take Tremendous progress has been made in the last a leading position internationally as an advocate of Sustainable Food Systems. decade in expanding the reach of Irish food and DEVELOPING A STRATEGY IN THIS drink to consumers across the globe. Selling into CONTEXT international markets is challenging, and the sector FOOD, MARKETS, HEALTH AND has to be agile and ready to develop and capitalise The agri-food sector in Ireland has benefited from NUTRITION on business opportunities that arise. A fair, balanced, an approach to strategic planning involving the and rules-based international trading system is also development of ten-year stakeholder-led strategies, Ireland’s agri-food system, including its farmers, fishers a key enabling factor in this. Evolving consumer updated every five years. Since their inception and food businesses, plays a vital role in the daily lives 12 twenty years ago, up to the current Food Wise 2025 plan, these strategies have provided the sector with A NEW, FOOD SYSTEMS While each ten-year Strategy was of its time and was determined by the circumstances of the time, a coherent, stakeholder-led vision, to underpin its continued development. This form of ‘participative’ APPROACH this Strategy to 2030 signals a significant change in direction and policy compared to previous strategies. deliberation and involvement in preparing the Strategy The interconnectedness of policies for food, health, It has been drawn up using a ‘food systems approach’ means that the sector itself is its owner and has a climate and the environment in addressing the great which acknowledges the link between policies for strong vested interest in successful implementation. global challenges is clear and has come into increasing food, climate, the environment, and health (human, focus at international level. The central theme of animal and planetary), and focuses on the role each In November 2019, a committee of stakeholders this Strategy is that this interdependence should be part of the food chain has in delivering the 2030 in the agri-food sector, chaired by Tom Arnold, was recognised within national policy, by using a food vision. These features of a food systems approach are established. Its terms of reference required it to systems approach. woven throughout the Strategy, particularly in the outline the vision and key objectives, with associated The term ‘food system’ covers ‘all the elements and Missions and Goals. Moving towards a SFS should actions, to ensure the economic, environmental activities that relate to the production, processing, meet the needs of Irish society and position Ireland and social sustainability of the agri-food sector in distribution, preparation, and consumption of food, internationally in its trade and other relationships. the decade ahead. The Committee met throughout and the output of these activities, including socio- The future source of competitive advantage for the 2020 and into 2021, deliberating on a wide range of economic and environmental outcomes’. A sustainable Irish agri-food sector lies in being able to demonstrate opportunities and challenges facing the sector, within food system (SFS) is profitable throughout (economic that it meets the highest standards of sustainability the broad context outline above. In parallel, a Strategic sustainability), has broad-based benefits for society (in all its forms), such that it can be considered among Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate (social sustainability) and has a positive or neutral the world leaders in this field. This is the basis on Assessment (AA) were prepared independently impact on the natural environment (environmental which Ireland can meaningfully build on its ‘green’ to determine the likely significant effects on the sustainability). Each country has its own distinctive reputation and aspire to gaining market share in high environment of implementing the Strategy. These were food system, based on its natural resource base, value international markets and in certain cases, then published as part of a public consultation, the climate, production patterns, eating habits and history. gaining a premium price for what it sells. results of which were considered by the Stakeholder Committee prior to finalising the Strategy. Food systems are expected to provide food security If this ambitious objective is to be achieved, Ireland’s and nutrition for a world population which is projected agri-food sector, along with Government and society, to grow to nearly 10 billion by 2050. Food systems are will have to make significant changes. The sector also central to the livelihoods of hundreds of millions should aim to become climate-neutral by 2050, with of households around the world. Moreover, they verifiable progress by 2030, encompassing emissions, are not only highly dependent on the environment, biodiversity and water quality. The Strategy signals but also exert significant pressure on it. To speak of actions aimed at making the sector more diversified, a food system is to broaden the perspective beyond resilient and based on circular economy principles. agriculture and to recognise the inter-connected It proposes expansion in nature-based production concerns of health, wellbeing, its diverse cultural systems (considered as carrying out farming activities meanings, the skills, knowledge and self-esteem that it designed to result in agricultural, ecological and climate promotes, and its role in strengthening community. benefits on the farm), tillage, horticulture, afforestation 13 and organic production. But the core of Ireland’s agri- food output will continue to be grass based livestock THREE PILLARS OF biodiversity, managing water resources, and protecting and enhancing soil health. These in turn contribute production wherein lies Ireland’s natural competitive advantage. Given that 80-90% of output is exported, SUSTAINABILITY to social sustainability. More needs to be done at EU and national level to agree the policy instruments and the long-standing policy of supplying an increasingly The terms of reference for the Stakeholder Committee incentive structures to support these policies and diversified range of export markets and developing new were explicit in stating that the sustainability of expanded range of ecosystem services which citizens high-value markets will continue. The aim is to secure the agri-food sector to 2030 be considered in three and consumers demand and which are crucial to the a premium price for as high a percentage as possible dimensions – economic, environmental and social. health of our planet and our society. of Irish output and ensure that this premium is shared The pressure on the agri-food sector to deliver sustainability comes from a powerful combination In moving towards sustainability becoming more across the value chain, including the primary producer. of changing societal demands, consumer behaviour, embedded in the agri-food system, the issue of policy In aiming to become an international leader in SFSs, a political decisions, and the requirements of major sequencing, timeframes for implementing policy consistent policy framework and a culture of continuous trade customers for Irish food and drink. In addition, change, and the use of the Just Transition approach improvement across all the actors in the food chain will there is an increased focus on our legal and social will be important. Just Transition acknowledges that be required. responsibilities to care for the environment for future in moving to a climate resilient and low carbon sector, Ireland is likely to be one of the first countries in the generations, and an improved understanding of how policy should seek to ensure that the change is fair for world to develop a national agri-food strategy using fundamental a healthy environment is for producing producers, workers and communities. There are trade- a food systems approach. The Strategy will provide healthy and nutritious food. offs between the different dimensions of sustainability. a coherent policy framework for Ireland to make an These need to be acknowledged and a willingness important contribution to the international discussion The three sustainability components are not shown to reach realistic compromises on the direction taking place on food systems over the coming years, compartmentalised and there is an important of change and the speed at which it can take place. and in particular the UN Food Systems Summit (FSS). A interplay between them. Working towards each This Strategy sets out the framework from which such probable outcome of these discussions will be a greater dimension of sustainability draws on policies across choices and decisions can be made. prioritisation, at national and international level, of a the four Missions that have been established. The sustainable food system approach in future planning. Strategy recognises that economically sustainable farmers, fishers and forest owners are an integral In committing to this Strategy as a pathway to achieve part of the rural and coastal community and that such improvement, Ireland’s agri-food sector aims to healthy environments, ecosystems, communities and become a thought, policy and practice leader in SFSs. If economies go hand in hand. It recommends policies such a leadership position can be attained, particularly that present opportunities to primary producers at the Food Systems Summit in September 2021, this of high quality, safe food and fibre. It also points could provide the basis for a continuing leadership the way to primary producers being providers of a role during the coming decade. It is also likely to open much broader range of ecosystem services, so while opportunities for international collaboration, with continuing to produce food, they will also be engaged Ireland becoming a leading supplier of policy advice in areas such as sequestering and capturing carbon, and services to countries adopting their own SFSs, cutting ammonia and methane emissions, supporting particularly in Africa. 14 15 FOUR MISSIONS FOR MISSION 1 THE AGRI-FOOD A CLIMATE SMART, SECTOR TO 2030 ENVIRONMENTALLY The Strategy has adopted a framework which revolves around the concept of high- SUSTAINABLE AGRI-FOOD level Missions which are underpinned by a SECTOR series of key goals and actions. This reflects a movement in recent times to mission- oriented policy which responds to ‘grand GOAL 1: challenges’ and moves away from narrow Develop a Climate Neutral Food System sector-based approaches to more system- by 2050 and Improve Air Quality wide transformation. This Strategy has four Missions and 22 Goals. GOAL 2: Restore and Enhance Biodiversity GOAL 3: Protect High Status Sites and Contribute to Protection & Restoration of Good Water Quality and Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems GOAL 4: Develop Diverse, Multi-functional Forests GOAL 5: Enhance the Environmental Sustainability of the Seafood Sector GOAL 6: Embed the Agri-Food Sector in the Circular, Regenerative Bioeconomy GOAL 7: Strengthen Origin Green & Sustainable Supports to Reflect the Higher Level of Ambition 16 MISSION 2 MISSION 3 MISSION 4 VIABLE AND RESILIENT FOOD WHICH IS SAFE, AN INNOVATIVE, COMPETITIVE PRIMARY PRODUCERS WITH NUTRITIOUS AND APPEALING, AND RESILIENT AGRI- ENHANCED WELL-BEING TRUSTED AND VALUED AT FOOD SECTOR, DRIVEN BY HOME AND ABROAD TECHNOLOGY AND TALENT GOAL 1: GOAL 1: GOAL 1: Improve the Competitiveness and Prioritise Coherent Food and Health Move to a Challenge-Focused Innovation Productivity of Primary Producers Policies to Deliver Improved Health System Outcomes GOAL 2: GOAL 2: Improve the Creation and Equitable GOAL 2: A Strategic Funding Approach for Distribution of Value Enhance Consumer Trust in our Food Research, Development and Innovation System, Providing Evidence of a Safe, GOAL 3: Ethical Food Supply GOAL 3: Increase Primary Producer System Develop a Dynamic Knowledge Diversification GOAL 3: Exchange Environment Create Value-Add in Food Through Insight, GOAL 4: Innovation and Product Differentiation GOAL 4: Improve the Social Sustainability of Enhance the Use of Technology and Data Primary Producers GOAL 4: Develop Market Opportunities at Home GOAL 5: and Abroad Maintain and Improve Competitiveness and Resilience GOAL 6: Attract and Nurture Diverse and Inclusive Talent GOAL 7: Policy Coherence in Sustainable Food Systems Between Ireland’s Domestic Policy and its Development Cooperation and Foreign Policy 17 MISSION 1: A CLIMATE SMART, ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR The Strategy takes a systematic approach to Agriculture in the Government’s Climate Action Plan a pilot scheme for on-farm carbon trading to reward addressing the challenge of ensuring that Ireland can 2019. Ag Climatise includes 29 actions, largely based farmers for the public goods they are providing. This continue to produce high quality food in a manner on evidence from the Teagasc Marginal Abatement should align with the proposed EU Carbon Farming that protects the environment and mitigates climate Cost Curves, that aim to reduce the sector’s Initiative as set out in the Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy, change. Previous agri-food strategies, particularly environmental footprint. It represents a foundation whereby a new regulatory framework for certifying Food Wise 2025, have highlighted the importance stone upon which the additional measures in this carbon removals will underpin a payment to farmers. In of environmental sustainability, but this Strategy Strategy will build and will be updated on a regular addition to public funding, multiple sources of finance brings it to a new level of centrality and commitment. basis. will be required, including from the private sector. The Strategy has the objective of achieving a Ag Climatise makes clear that any increase in biogenic The Strategy proposes the scale-up of renewable climate-neutral food system by 2050, with verifiable methane emissions from continually increasing energy (RE) sources, especially anaerobic digestion, progress achieved by 2030, encompassing emissions, livestock numbers will jeopardise the achievement solar PV, supply of biomass materials and energy biodiversity and water quality, as well as a range of of the sector attaining climate neutrality by 2050. efficiency. The roll-out in 2021 of an enabling other targets for forestry, fisheries, organic farming Therefore it is proposed that detailed plans to manage framework for micro-generation which tackles existing and food waste. The Mission takes a detailed, the sustainable environmental footprint of the dairy barriers and establishes suitable supports, as foreseen systematic approach to address each aspect of the and the beef sectors will be produced by Q2 2022. This in the Climate Action Plan 2019, will be crucial to the environment – climate, ammonia, biodiversity, water, will take into account their respective environmental delivery of this action. forests, seafood, the bioeconomy, food loss and waste, footprints; the plans for reduction in total methane, and packaging. The Strategy proposes more targeted agri- nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions; the impact environmental schemes under the next CAP Strategic Working towards a climate–neutral food sector of management practices and existing technologies Plan to protect Ireland’s habitats and species. These by 2050 will happen within the framework of the at farm level. It will also take account of, emerging schemes should include results-based actions, five-yearly sectoral budgets provided for under the methane and ammonia mitigation technologies; the including payments for specific measures, drawing auspices of the Climate Action and Low Carbon promotion of better pasture management, including on the lessons from the European Innovation Development Bill, to be decided during 2021. In reducing chemical fertiliser use; increasing clover Partnerships. Consideration should be given to the advance of these decisions, the Strategy outlines and multi-species pasture swards; genetics and feed development of a dedicated programme for High a roadmap to deliver on the ambition of a climate- additives. Nature Value (HNV) farmland and to researching the neutral sector by 2050. Carbon-farming offers a potentially new source of concept of ‘Regenerative Agriculture’, particularly This strategy builds on Ag Climatise, the roadmap income for farmers but it is still in the early stages of under Irish conditions, with an emphasis on improving for delivering the emissions reductions targets for development. The Ag Climatise Roadmap proposes the health and multifunctionality of soils. 18 The Strategy also makes other recommendations Systems of food production, processing, packaging, across biodiversity, water, seafood and forestry. These distribution and logistics that contribute to include a commitment that Ireland will play an active environmental degradation are no longer ethically and constructive role in the development of measures acceptable to society or consumers. An increasing to realise the objectives for pesticide use reduction number of global brands, some of which are in the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Farm customers of Irish food and drink, are placing their to Fork Strategy; the development of a National Soils sustainability credentials front and centre as the next Strategy that will assess all appropriate soil health source of competitive advantage. Ireland has built a parameters and inform future policies on good soil strong reputation for sustainable food by having the management practices; conducting biodiversity studies world’s only national food and drink sustainability to inform future policy development and measure programme - Origin Green. The Strategy signals that progress; conducting a national land use review and Origin Green now needs to adapt to a higher level the development of a 50-year vision on sustainable of environmental ambition and to achieve ‘stretch land use, land cover and land management including targets’ with participants. The Mission proposes The range of agri-environmental measures proposed in farmland, forests and peatlands; the development of that collaboration between agencies such as Bord the Strategy represent a statement on the important a new Forestry Strategy; an examination of the option Bia and Teagasc intensify to support the reduction role the agri-food sector can play in living up to of afforestation on state owned lands, building on of agricultural emissions, drawing on the respective expectations on the environmental commitments. The initiatives from Coillte and Bord na Mona. Actions strengths of both agencies to reduce the negative Strategy envisages a pathway through which primary are proposed to develop an all-of-value National Food environmental impact of agricultural production and producers can assume a broader role in responding Waste Prevention Roadmap with clear national and assure Ireland’s reputation as a source of sustainable to the climate and biodiversity emergency, not only sectoral targets for 2030. food production. A key element to the partnership producing nutritious high quality food, but also will be promoting a coordinated approach to becoming providers of a range of eco-system services, There is scope for additional income and employment communications on sustainability to support farmers for which they will be financially rewarded based on opportunities arising from embedding the agri-food reduce their on-farm emissions, and the roll out of delivery. It is hoped that the vision and commitments sector in the circular bioeconomy. These opportunities the Teagasc SignPost Farms programme will be an in the Strategy will enable farming, seafood, forestry can come from the use of raw materials from grassland, important element in this. Other actors – knowledge and environmental groups to see a commonality of crops, forestry and bio-marine systems to develop new exchange practitioners, research institutions, State interests and provide a basis to work together on an bio-based value chains and this Mission expands on Agencies and NGOs – will also need to collaborate on agreed agenda for the future. some of these opportunities. ways to realise our environmental ambitions. 19 MISSION 2: VIABLE AND RESILIENT PRIMARY PRODUCERS WITH ENHANCED WELL-BEING Mission 2 focuses on the areas which offer the best A more equitable distribution of value in the food system experiencing some challenges currently, it offers tools for improving economic viability and resilience Improving price transparency is one method of an added income stream for farmers, along with of primary producers; both by their own actions and possibly improving returns to primary producers. The other options such as organic farming, horticultural initiatives within the agri-food sector as a whole. Unfair Trading Practices Regulations 2021, which come production, contract rearing of livestock, eco-tourism, Farmers can bolster their financial and economic into effect from July 2021, apply to agreements for the amongst others. Fishers can continue on a path of sustainability by focusing on efficiencies; embracing supply of agricultural and food products, and prohibit sustainable economic development by managing new, diversified systems of agriculture; meeting certain unfair trading practices as set out in the Unfair the utilisation of sea-fisheries. Building sustainable standards required for greater premiumisation that Trading Practices Directive. Primary legislation, to aquaculture enterprises, and expanding and investing can offer higher market returns; and being rewarded be introduced before the end of 2021, will establish in technology to develop the processing industry and for the delivery of a range of eco-system services. a new office of the National Food Ombudsman or improve productivity are also key objectives. regulator, with additional responsibilities. There is a A common theme across the Missions is the need to Ireland’s new rural development policy “Our Rural relatively low uptake of Producer Organisations and work towards a more resilient and diversified system, Future” will also be an important factor in determining use of Geographical Indicators in Ireland, and the capable of coping with the risks associated with the range of income and employment opportunities Strategy proposes actions to support these initiatives. changes in economic and climatic circumstances. While for farm households and the wider rural community. In addition, quality assurance schemes and new forms grass-based production of milk, beef and sheep will This plan will address key policy challenges and offer of producer-processor contracts have potential to continue to account for the dominant part of agri- solutions on issues affecting rural areas, including the improve value creation and distribution in the supply food output, the Strategy proposes there should be crucially important issue of broadband availability. chain and the Strategy outlines actions relating to better integration within the sector, including dairy/ these. An enhanced focus on social sustainability and well-being beef and dairy/tillage linkages. The Strategy proposes expansion in tillage, horticulture, organic farming and Broadening income sources within a more diversified Social sustainability is also a major focus of this agro-forestry, as well as a plan to reduce Ireland’s and resilient sector Mission. There is a direct connection between the dependence on imported protein crops. This Mission The Strategy outlines likely additional on-farm and social vibrancy of rural and coastal communities, also envisages there being a place in Ireland’s agri-food off-farm income sources to support farm household the commercial and environmental performance of sector for all types of primary producer, whether full viability. Future income sources could range from primary producers, and those connected in upstream time or part time, big or small. A diversity of farming, the market for food products, to payment for carbon and downstream activities, particularly the food and fishing and forestry systems offers the best approach sequestration and storage, microgeneration of drink industry. There are a multitude of factors that towards achieving all forms of sustainability and one energy, protecting habitats and species, and providing could be considered as influencing and driving social should not be considered better than the others. other ecosystem services. While afforestation is sustainability, but this Strategy has focused on a 20 number of key ones which are highly relevant to the and mental health, which the Strategy also attempts agri-food sector. to address. Associated with this is the need for LGBTI+ inclusivity, strong rural development policies and new Recommendations are made on how to improve community engagement initiatives, as well as the rapid measurement and reporting of social sustainability. roll out of high-speed rural broadband. Generational renewal and the importance of encouraging and facilitating new entrants to farming, fishing and forestry are highlighted. The Strategy supports an enhanced role for women in the sector and recommends the establishment of female farmers’ networks and other supports to better understand and meet the needs of Irish women farmers, fishers and rural female entrepreneurs. The Strategy calls for continuous updating of education and training programmes to meet the changing needs of the sector and emphasises the importance of lifelong and peer- to-peer learning. The number of injuries and accidental deaths in farming and fishing is unacceptable and there must be greater emphasis on occupational safety. The Strategy proposes the introduction of mandatory health and safety skills training for all those working on farms and enhanced training for fishers. There are continuing problems of rural isolation and there needs to be greater focus on mental health and well-being. The COVID-19 crisis has shown many examples of community solidarity but as Irish rural society emerges from this crisis, more systematic attention needs to be paid to the underlying challenges of rural isolation 21 MISSION 3: FOOD WHICH IS SAFE, NUTRITIOUS AND APPEALING, TRUSTED AND VALUED AT HOME AND ABROAD Food security and nutrition is a key component demands in these areas. The Mission contains actions strong position within the British market for key food of Sustainable Food Systems, particularly the link to ensure the continued supply of food and drink and drink exports, while recognising that the market between food and health. It is important that the that meets these rising expectations both at home is likely to become more competitive. The long-term sector contributes to ensuring coherent food and and in international markets. For example, a new policy of increasing trade diversification will continue, health policies that deliver improved health outcomes National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance, but the unique importance of the UK market for the and this is a key focus of this Mission. The Strategy using a One Health approach, will be developed, and Irish agri-food sector will remain. Building on Ireland’s acknowledges that there is a need for a wider public implementation of the new National Animal Welfare reputation for providing safe, sustainable, and high- discussion on the role of food in society. Part of this Strategy, which uses a One Health One Welfare quality food will be key to maintaining a strong market discussion should be the price people are willing to approach, will be pursued. position in the UK. pay for food produced to high standards, as well as OECD/FAO projections suggest that the long-term the relative affordability of nutritious foods compared trend of stable or a slight reduction in the real price of to less healthy choices. There is increasing demand food will continue over the next decade. The Strategy for natural, sustainably produced food and a strong takes the position that being able to demonstrate that growth in the sales of milk and meat alternatives, Ireland has high standards of sustainability offers the based on consumer demand for vegan or ‘flexitarian’ best approach for seeking a price premium and/or choices and recognition of the importance of fruit enhanced market share. It suggests that the customers and vegetables in a healthy diet. There is also a lively of Ireland’s food and drink (retailers, the food service debate, nationally and internationally, about the sector and consumers) should play their part in role of animal-sourced foods in diets. The Strategy helping the sector become more sustainable. Insight, contributes to this debate, with a statement on the innovation and product differentiation and developing value of animal-sourced foods in diets for children, opportunities at home and abroad are further adolescents and adults. important elements in adding value and this Mission Consumers expect that the food and drink they sets out actions to advance these. purchase is safe, traceable and authentic, produced, Arising from Brexit, the UK is likely to open up its processed and sold in a transparent, ethical manner. market for food through a set of new trade agreements Ireland’s agri-food sector has a duty to meet these which could impact on UK price levels, particularly standards and expectations and while working off during the second half of the decade. This Strategy a strong base, has to evolve to keep up with rising envisages Irish agri-food protecting and building on its 22 MISSION 4: AN INNOVATIVE, COMPETITIVE AND RESILIENT AGRI-FOOD SECTOR, DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY AND TALENT Innovation is fundamental to achieving sustainability in of innovation for sustainable food and agriculture and inclusive talent. The nature of many of the roles in all its forms. Ireland’s agri-food sector has been making systems. the sector is likely to change quite substantially in the good progress in embracing technology and innovation period to 2030, as will the career preferences of young This Mission also recommends a more strategic in recent years. In the period to 2030, a wide range of people. The Mission calls on employers to develop approach to R&D funding and calls out the need for new digital innovations and data capture and analysis education, skills and talent attraction and retention greater private sector spend on R&D, new forms of techniques will emerge. These will change the way strategies, while also proposing measures to deal with knowledge exchange that sees end-users such as we manage our natural assets; produce, process and labour shortages, reviewing education and training farmers playing a more active role and embracing distribute food and its by-products and residues; programmes, as well as a series of actions to promote peer-to-peer learning and a more dynamic knowledge and improve transparency along the food chain. The and improve gender balance, while also rolling out exchange environment, with a focus on translating sector stands on the cusp of being able to utilise these initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion. research findings and innovations to practical technologies, data and innovation to enable the new implementation on farms and in agri-food and seafood Finally, this Mission can be considered ‘enabling’ in that sustainability improvements that are required and to businesses. its Goals and actions are of such a cross-cutting nature capture and share their impact. that they will be critical to facilitating the delivery of Mission 4 also makes a number of recommendations A review that was conducted as part of Food Wise other Missions and Goals in the Strategy. in order to more fully embrace the digital revolution 2025 into the innovation capacity in the agri-food that is taking place in agriculture, food, fisheries and sector concluded that whilst the level of knowledge forestry. This is a really exciting area and while there creation is significant, the level of collaboration is are great examples of ag-tech centres and businesses, inadequate, both within and between the public and the Strategy has concluded that it is still at a relatively private sectors, and that there is too little focus on early stage of development. the end user or consumer, and on measurable outputs. The review recommended that innovation must go The Strategy also makes recommendations in the further than product and process innovation, and that areas of competitiveness and resilience, including a new approach is needed that is output-based and greater up-take of industry supports, improved mission-orientated. Mission 4 thus recommends a access to affordable finance, and support for new approach to innovation by moving to a challenge- enabling technologies such as biorefining, advanced focused agri-food innovation system that will deliver manufacturing and digitalisation, plant renewal and increased cohesion of public and private actors and expansion, refinancing, and market development. deliver on the vision of Ireland as a global leader In addition, the Mission focuses on the crucially important enabler of attracting and nurturing diverse 23 COMMUNICATING THE for a number of issues where it has the credibility and capability to play such a role. There are clearly synergies between both processes and it is likely that many elements of the new CAP will STRATEGY’S VISION Over the past decades the EU’s CAP has been a major contribute to the implementation of actions contained in this Strategy. Notably, the new CAP will contain new The Strategy’s primary role is to provide a vision source of income support and has evolved to broaden green architecture, featuring strengthened mandatory and associated policies for the sector for the its scope to food safety, rural development, and requirements and increased funding opportunities coming decade. But it also has an important role in animal welfare. The new stage in the CAP’s evolution for green farming. In particular, a new stream of communicating an Irish vision and commitments to will have noticeably higher environmental ambition funding from the CAP’s direct payments budget for key audiences at EU, UK and international level, and to with national Strategic Plans focusing on economic, “eco-schemes” will be introduced, which will support the major customers for Irish food and drink. Ireland environmental and social goals across nine key and incentivise farmers to undertake agricultural should seek to carve out a thought, policy and practice objectives. The Strategy aligns very well with these practices beneficial for the climate, biodiversity, and leadership role, at European and international level, nine objectives, as demonstrated in the figure below. the environment. CAP OBJECTIVES & STRATEGY MISSIONS Ensuring viable Increasing Improve Contribute Efficient Contribute to Structural Jobs & growth Health, food & farm income competitiveness farmers position to climate management of protection of change & in rural areas antimicrobial in value chain mitigation & soil, water and biodiversity & generational resistance adaptation air landscapes renewal Mission 2 Missions 2 Mission 2 Mission 1 Mission 1 Mission 1 Mission 2 Missions 2, Mission 3 and 4 3 and 4 24 The sector can be part of the agenda for deepening trends to be identified early and remedial action and these may emerge in the future. The Committee has the bilateral relationship between Ireland and the UK responsibilities to be determined. It will also provide therefore identified the goals associated with each in the post-Brexit era: the nature of that engagement for increased transparency during implementation. A Mission, as well as the key indicators which will be used should be explored in the light of this Strategy and the more detailed plan with the actions and their owners, to track progress. The Committee has also outlined outcomes of the review of UK food policy currently deliverables and timeline for implementation is what progress by 2030 will look like. underway and expected to be completed during 2021. published separately, as is the Strategic Environmental The special status of Northern Ireland, resulting Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA). from the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol of the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement, offers a number of possibilities for increased cooperation and exchange GOALS AND INDICATORS of best-practice on an All-Island basis. There could also The vision of this Strategy is for Ireland to be a world be scope for additional novel forms of collaboration, leader in Sustainable Food Systems. This Strategy involving the UK and Irish governments and the EU, outlines four missions and twenty-two goals, which on some of the EU’s Moonshot Missions such as soil if achieved, will position Ireland as a world leader health and food. in Sustainable Food Systems. It includes some 200 actions to achieve these goals and missions, and IMPLEMENTATION alignment between the goals and relevant SDGs has been indicated throughout the Strategy. As well AND OVERSIGHT as monitoring the implementation of these actions, the High-Level Implementation Committee for the The success of this Strategy will depend on effective Strategy, will consider and review the performance implementation and oversight. For this reason, of the agri-food sector according to an agreed set of a Monitoring and Implementation Framework is indicators. included. This highlights areas for collaboration and partnership within the sector but also with key While the Strategy provides the vision and missions external stakeholders. It also details oversight and to facilitate a transformation to a sustainable food monitoring mechanisms for implementation, including system, it should not be seen as a final or definitive the establishment of a High Level Implementation roadmap. It is a framework within which more detailed Committee chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, plans and processes will need to be developed. Food and the Marine, and its key task will be to National and international policy developments will ensure the delivery of the four Missions. Specific also be important and the Strategy should be seen in monitoring requirements for environmental aspects that context, as the beginning of the pathway to the are laid out, including the establishment of an vision of a more sustainable food system. Environmental Working Group. This Group will enable As yet there is no internationally agreed set of the environmental performance of the Strategy to indicators for Sustainable Food Systems, although be monitored and evaluated and allow any negative 25 PROGRESS BY 2030 MISSION 1 A CLIMATE SMART, The Committee acknowledges that in general, Forestry: Increase afforestation from existing future environmental targets are likely to be set levels to at least 8,000 ha per year and double the ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE by legislation and commits to participating in the sustainable production of biomass from forests to AGRI-FOOD SECTOR various target-setting processes with a view to 2 million tonnes by 2035 Goal: A Climate-neutral food system by 2050, with the ultimate commitment to be climate neutral by Organic farming: At least 7.5% of utilisable verifiable progress achieved by 2030, encompassing 2050. agricultural area is targeted to be farmed emissions reductions, carbon sequestration, air, organically by 2030 biodiversity and water quality. Biogenic methane: The Strategy commits to a reduction of at least 10% by 2030 (on 2018 level), Seafood: Achieve 30% of marine protected areas Key indicators: by 2030 recognising that this will need to adjust in line • Biogenic methane level with emerging national and international targets Food Waste: The Strategy aims to halve the level for the sector and in line with the development of of food waste per person by 2030 • Ammonia and Nitrous Oxide emissions scientific solutions. • Water quality Origin Green Programme: Achieve a high The target for biogenic methane will be updated participation rate by both primary producers and • Biodiversity – land and sea when specific sectoral targets are agreed under the food industry in an enhanced Origin Green • Afforestation level the framework of the Climate Action and Low programme, Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021. • Level of organic farming Note: Ag Climatise has already set additional targets Nitrous Oxide: Emissions associated with relating to chemical nitrogen use, abatement through • Food Waste statistics chemical fertiliser use to reduce by more than LULUCF, the management of peat soils, genotyping, • Enhanced Origin Green Programme 50% by 2030 milk recording, slurry application, slurry stores, Water Quality: The Strategy commits to reduce protected fertilisers and renewable energy. nutrient losses from agriculture to water by 50% by 2030 Biodiversity: It is envisaged that by 2030, 10% of farmed area will be prioritised for biodiversity, spread across all farms throughout the country Air Quality: Ammonia emissions to reduce to 5% below 2005 levels by 2030 26 PROGRESS BY 2030 MISSION 2 VIABLE AND RESILIENT PRIMARY The Strategy is ambitious for primary producers, envisaging an upward trend in Family Farm PRODUCERS WITH ENHANCED Income towards 2030, with an increased share of WELLBEING viable and sustainable farms, reflecting improved Goal: Competitive, productive primary producers with economic returns to land and profitability per improved economic and social sustainability. hectare, an upward trend in primary output value with increased diversification across sectors. Key indicators: The Strategy also foresees the seafood sector • Family Farm Income continuing on a path of sustainable economic (Family Farm Income per hectare) and environmental development by carefully managing the utilisation of sea-fisheries and • Economic Sustainability of farm business aquaculture. • Economic return to land (Gross output per hectare) The Strategy aims to improve and Profitability (Market-based gross margin per the social sustainability of hectare) primary producers, increasing • Economic performance of the Seafood sector the share of younger and (as reported by BIM ‘The Business of Seafood’) trained farmers and fishers, • Total primary output and output by sector reducing the risk of social isolation, and ensuring a much • Formal agricultural education improved record on health and safety. • Age Profile • Number of new entrants • Number of farm families • Isolation risk • Health and Safety statistics • Market transparency 27 MISSION 3 FOOD WHICH IS SAFE, NUTRITIOUS AND APPEALING, TRUSTED AND VALUED AT HOME AND ABROAD Goal: Coherence of policies for food, health and nutrition; Enhancement of consumer trust through providing evidence of safe and ethical food production; Creation of value-add, through insight and innovation, supporting the food sector and continuing to develop market opportunities at home and abroad. Key indicators: • Development of coherent national and international food, health and nutrition initiatives • Enhanced food safety, animal health and welfare • Value and value-added in the agri-food sector • Value of agri-food exports PROGRESS BY 2030 The Strategy aims for an integrated food systems approach to food and health policy. Continued world-class standards in food safety, animal health and welfare. Increased value-addition, and an increase in the value of agri-food exports to €21billion by 2030, built on sustainable steady value growth. 28 PROGRESS BY 2030 MISSION 4 AN INNOVATIVE, COMPETITIVE AND The Strategy envisages a more output-focused collaborative innovation system by 2030; with RESILIENT AGRI-FOOD SECTOR, private R&D to reach 1% of turnover; The agri- DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY AND food sector should be more competitive resilient, TALENT and seen as attractive by a young, diverse and Goal: An innovation, knowledge and technology driven talented workforce. sector; with improved competitiveness and resilience Ireland will advocate for Sustainable Food along the food chain; and the attraction and nurturing Systems internationally and for the development of diverse talent. of a recognised SFS measurement or index to Key indicators: supplement and strengthen it vision for 2030. • Level of implementation of the recommendations Ireland’s advocacy that of the High-Level Innovation Team SFSs are an important part of the deepening strategic • Level of private R&D relationship between Africa • Availability of public policy supports, including and the EU, and within R&D, access to finance and on competitiveness Ireland’s overall relationship issues specific to the agri-food sector. with Africa. • Development and implementation of a strategy for the agri-food sector on education, skills and talent attraction and retention. • Promotion of food and nutrition security, and SFSs, as an important part of delivering on Ireland’s ambition of achieving the UN aid target of 0.7% of GNI by 2030 29 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT 30 For the purposes of this Strategy, the agri-food sector includes primary agriculture; food and drink processing and manufacturing; fisheries, aquaculture and fish processing; forestry and forestry processing; and the equine sector. The sector has benefited from an approach to strategic planning involving the development of ten-year stakeholder-led strategies, updated every five years. Since their inception twenty years ago, up to the current Food Wise 2025 plan, these strategies have provided the sector with a coherent, stakeholder-led vision, to underpin its continued development. The first of these was published in 2000, when Ireland’s agri-food exports were valued at €7.4 billion. In 2020, exports reached €14.2 billion. In November 2019, a committee of stakeholders in the agri-food sector, chaired by Tom Arnold, was food system is composed of subsystems (e.g. farming system, waste management system, input supply THE AGRI-FOOD established. Its terms of reference required it to outline the vision and key objectives, with associated system, etc.) and interacts with other key systems (e.g., energy system, trade system, health system, etc.). The SECTOR IN 2020 actions, to ensure the economic, environmental and FAO goes on to define a food systems approach in this The Irish agri-food sector is Ireland’s oldest and largest social sustainability of the agri-food sector in the way: indigenous industry. In 2020, the sector accounted for decade ahead. The Committee met throughout 2020 almost 7% of GNI* and 9% of exports in value terms. It A sustainable food system (SFS) is a food system that employs approximately 163,600 people, representing and into 2021 and has finalised its strategy. This delivers food security and nutrition for all, in such a 7.1% of total employment. At primary production section outlines the background against which the way that the economic, social and environmental bases level, some 137,500 farms, over 770,000 hectares deliberations of the Committee have taken place. to generate food security and nutrition for future of forest, over 2,000 fishing vessels and some 180 Early in the process, the Committee agreed to adopt generations are not compromised. This means that: aquaculture sites produced an estimated €8.5 billion a food systems approach. This involved consideration in output in 2019. Outside of Dublin and the mid-east – It is profitable throughout (economic sustainability); not only of the issues affecting the sector directly, region, the sector provides between 10% and 14% of but also its connection to people (nutrition and well- – It has broad-based benefits for society (social employment. Beyond direct employment, the sector being) and the environment. The Food and Agriculture sustainability); and plays a key role in the wider rural and coastal economy. Organization of the United Nations (FAO) indicate that – It has a positive or neutral impact on the natural Estimates for output multipliers range from around food systems encompass the entire range of actors environment (environmental sustainability). 2.5 for beef, to 2.0 for dairy and food processing and and their interlinked value-adding activities involved in 1.75 for seafood, compared with an average output the production, aggregation, processing, distribution, multiplier of 1.4 for the rest of the economy and 1.2 for consumption and disposal of food products that foreign owned firms. The Food & Drink sector accounts originate from agriculture, forestry or fisheries, and for approximately 40% of all export sales by Irish- parts of the broader economic, societal and natural owned companies. environments in which they are embedded. The 31 The agri-food sector grew substantially over the past implications for farm incomes. Although there are is acknowledged and supported. Initiatives to support decade, with Irish food and drink exports increasing by many farms with low output, their cumulative output is primary producers participating in life-long learning, 60% from €8.9 billion in 2010 to over €14.2 billion in economically important, as are the environmental and improvement in farm safety and participation in wider 2020, despite difficulties in the wider economy earlier social benefits they provide. rural development and community well-being, also in the decade. need to be considered. Seafood primary production is primarily made up of capture fisheries and aquaculture production. The THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIMARY seafood sector is a primary driver of rural economies THE FOOD AND DRINK SECTOR PRODUCERS around the coastline of Ireland. It acts as an anchor in The food and drink processing and manufacturing Primary producers, including farmers, fishers and these locations around which other supporting service sector is made up of a range of small, medium and large foresters, are at the heart of the agri-food system. They sectors develop. Due to low productivity agricultural Irish-owned enterprises, estimated at some 1,800 in contribute to the economic, environmental and social land, distance from urban settlements, low levels of number, some of which are among the most advanced fabric of Ireland, particularly in rural and coastal areas. transport connectivity and lack of alternative industry, in the world. Without them, the agri-food system would not exist, these areas are often highly dependent on the seafood It includes manufacturers of dairy and specialised and it is therefore essential that their viability and well- sector. nutrition products and ingredients, meat and meat being are considered and addressed in this strategy. The area under forestry in Ireland is estimated to be products, prepared consumer foods and drinks. Family farm income varies considerably by farm type 11% of the total land area. Of the total forest area, half It is Ireland’s largest indigenous exporting sector, (e.g. dairy, drystock, tillage, horticulture, poultry, pigs) is in public ownership, mainly by Coillte. The forest accounting for over a quarter of employment of Irish- and whether full-time or part-time. There are wide estate is comprised of three quarters conifers and owned exporting firms and 38% of total indigenous variations in productivity and performance (economic one quarter broadleaves. Farmers have accounted for exports. The last decade has seen a continued move and environmental) between the top, middle and 81% of private lands afforested between 1980 and up the value chain and increased exports to a greater bottom farms across a range of indicators. In terms 2019. Since 1980, over 23,000 private landowners number of markets. Between 2010 and 2020, the value of income and viability of primary producers, output have received grant aid to establish forests, along of agri-food exports increased by 60% to €14.2 billion. price, costs and productivity are significant factors. with premia for their upkeep, and the average size of Irish food and drinks are now exported to 180 markets Measures to improve farm efficiency, to reduce private grant-aided afforestation since 1980 is 8.6 worldwide. During this period there was a 38% growth input costs, to develop diversification options and to ha. Government targets for annual forestry planting in exports to the UK and a 59% growth to the EU-26. strengthen the position of primary producers in the have not been met, despite significant public funding However, the most rapid growth (121%) was seen in supply chain, can all play a critical role in improving support and tax-free profits on forest harvesting. The exports to international markets outside of Europe. farm viability. development of a new forestry strategy will be critical The continued development of the sector to 2030 will if the sector is to maximise its potential contribution to depend on a continued focus on competitiveness and National and EU support payments are also a the economy and to rural communities. innovation, but also on an understanding of market significant component of farm income for many farmers, particularly drystock farms. The evolution of When it comes to developing a long term sustainable dynamics, a consumer orientation and an alignment direct supports, particularly as CAP moves towards future for primary producers, addressing generational with societal expectations in relation to issues such as a ‘results-based’ system with a strong focus on renewal and gender balance will be essential, to ensure climate change, animal welfare, and the links between environmental performance, will have significant that the vital contribution of young people and women food and health. 32 CASE STUDY: THE UN DECADE OF FAMILY FARMING 2019-2028 (UNDFF) The UNDFF aims to shed new light on Through a Global Action Plan (GAP), the UNDFF provides detailed guidance for the international what it means to be a family farmer in a community on collective, coherent and comprehensive rapidly changing world. Family farming actions that can be taken to support family farmers. offers a unique opportunity to ensure These are designed around mutually reinforcing pillars food security, improve livelihoods, better such as developing an enabling policy environment to manage natural resources, protect the strengthen family farming, ensuring the generational sustainability of family farming, promoting gender environment and achieve sustainable equity, strengthening family farmers’ organisations development. Thanks to their knowledge and capacities to generate knowledge, improving and guardianship of the land, family socio-economic inclusion, resilience and well-being, farmers are the agents of change needed promoting sustainability for climate-resilient food systems and promoting social innovations that to achieve a more balanced and resilient safeguard biodiversity, environment and culture. planet and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an inclusive, collaborative and coherent way. Key data on family farming shows that they occupy around 70 - 80% of farmland worldwide; 90% of farms are run by an individual or a family who rely primarily on family labour; and women hold only 15% of farmland yet provide almost 50% of farm labour. 33 BOX 1: MARKET ACCESS AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT 2010-2020 Trade missions play a key role in 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 market and trade advancement. The China Algeria China Gulf China Ghana China Gulf Canada China X2 Algeria Department of Agriculture Food and States and States Nigeria the Marine plans these missions in collaboration with Bord Bia, Enterprise China USA Japan USA Italy Singapore Japan China X2 Germany Egypt Ireland and the Department of Foreign USA X2 South Mexico Indonesia Japan Indonesia** Korea Affairs and its Embassy network. Destinations are selected strategically Vietnam South Malaysia Netherlands Malaysia** Korea and in keeping with the Bord Bia USA Turkey Portugal* Philippines** market prioritisation. United South Korea Thailand** In addition to outward Ministerial trade missions, Kingdom* the Department hosts high level visiting USA Spain* United delegations from a wide range of countries. In Kingdom** 2019 this included China, Japan, South Korea, USA, Vietnam* Turkey Vietnam** Mexico, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Qatar, Vietnam, Trade Missions 2010 - 2020 and the UAE. United * These trade missions took place during the St. Patrick’s Day visit Kingdom ** Virtual Trade Missions due to COVID-19 restrictions Market access The Department’s market access work is focused on the opening of access for Irish exports to new third country markets. Notable successes in recent example through regular renegotiation of dairy export market access endeavours involve work at political, years have included beef access to China (2018), certificates with third country authorities. This work diplomatic, administrative and technical levels. sheepmeat access to Japan (2019) and pigmeat involves hosting audit and inspection visits from the Ireland’s success in gaining and retaining access to access to Mexico (2020). Equally important is competent authorities in international markets and international markets is directly related to Ireland’s the challenging work of enhancing and retaining conducting technical missions to negotiate on details excellent reputation for food safety and our enviable access to existing international markets, for of market access to those markets. The Department’s national herd health status. 3434 Top Ten Agri-food Export Destinations Outside Europe 2020 5 1 10 4 7 2 6 Total Top 9 Ten Outside 3 Europe €2.86 bn 8 * Rounding in operation 1 United States €1,074 million 3 Nigeria €180 million 5 Canada €129 million 7 Algeria €95 million 9 Philippines €86 million 2 China €872 million 4 Japan €147 million 6 Saudi Arabia €100 million 8 South Africa €88 million 10 Iraq €86 million Source: Central Statistics Office, Trade Statistics 2020. 35 In 2020, two of the five most valuable destination a co-ordinated, multi-sectoral approach to rural environment: on-farm agricultural practices accounted markets for Irish food – the USA and China – were development, Our Rural Future is a comprehensive for a third of national GHG emissions in 2018, the non-Europe markets. Likewise, nine out of the top policy, underpinned by a programme of commitments sector is almost exclusively responsible for ammonia twenty markets for Irish agri-exports were non-Europe across Government Departments and agencies, emissions, 30% of listed species have an inadequate markets. These facts underline the importance of which will support the economic and social progress or bad status while 85% of listed habitats have an finding and growing new export markets for the future of rural Ireland over the next five years and build a unfavourable conservation status and agriculture prospects of the Irish agri-food industry. The EU has, better quality of life for people who live there. The and other activities are contributing to these trends, in recent years, concluded Free Trade Agreements Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will agriculture exerts the most pressure on water quality, with several Asian and American countries and these work with the Department of Rural and Community impacting on just over half of water bodies at risk agreements are very important to Ireland, given our Development and others, including the agri-food of not achieving their water quality objectives . The status as a small, open economy where access to new stakeholders, to deliver this framework for the ambition to 2030 must be to ensure that plans for markets historically has been a big driver of economic economic and social development of rural areas over the development of the sector align with the need development, particularly in the agri-food sector. the next five years. to reduce absolute emissions, reverse the decline in water quality and improve biodiversity. BROADER RURAL DEVELOPMENT THE AMBITION TO 2030 The Committee also recognises that progress on this CONTEXT Ireland has a strong international reputation as a ambition can only be achieved through partnership No strategy for the development of the agri food supplier of quality, safe, nutritious and sustainably between stakeholders, and that the long term sector would be complete without consideration of its produced food and drink. International consumers sustainability of the sector will also depend on particular impact on the rural economy, and its critical seek out Irish food and drink products in what is competitiveness and innovation, on its ability to place within a broader rural development strategy. a very competitive international market. Building attract the best and brightest people to work in it, There is an increased understanding nationally and on this reputation will be a key factor in optimising and its ability to provide a decent living to its primary internationally that rural development is integrally the contribution of the agri food sector to the Irish producers. linked to policies across a wide range of areas including economy and society. This will require a strong The ambition to 2030 therefore needs to be spatial planning, enterprise growth, job creation, social alignment with consumer and societal sentiment. expressed across the three pillars of sustainability: cohesion, community development, public services, With this in mind, the most recent strategy, Food environmental, economic and social. communications infrastructure, agriculture, food and Wise 2025, sought to embed at all levels of the agri- the marine, climate adaptation, tourism, heritage, food industry, the idea that environmental protection health and leisure. and economic competitiveness were equal and The Government has produced a new rural complementary. The Committee recognises that while development policy, “Our Rural Future 2021 to 2025”. progress has been made in terms of environmental It builds on and goes beyond the Action Plan for Rural efficiency per unit of output, the direction of travel Development 2017-2019 by adopting a more strategic, in terms of absolute emissions, water quality and ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and biodiversity is negative. The State of the Environment maximising opportunities for rural areas. To achieve Report 2020 from the EPA highlighted the scale of the pressures that agriculture imposes on the 36 THE PLACE OF IRISH safe, authentic, ethical and trustworthy. Demand is growing for more authentic, sustainably produced AGRI-FOOD IN THE ‘natural’ food, as outlined in Bord Bia’s 2019 Consumer Lifestyle Trends: WORLD “Consumers want to eat, drink and live to optimise their body’s systems, to feel better than well today GLOBAL DEMOGRAPHICS and tomorrow”. World population is projected to grow from 7.8 billion The Irish agri-food sector needs to respond to these in 2020 to 8.5 billion in 2030 and to 10 billion in 2050, trends by investing in product development and with the bulk of the population increase to take place positioning itself as a global leader in the production of in Africa and Asia. The global population will also natural, premium, sustainably-produced food. Ireland’s become, on average, older. The number of people largely grass-fed livestock production system already defined as ‘middle class’ is increasing rapidly. The has a natural advantage in the marketplace, reflected increase in population is accompanied by a continual in the Origin Green programme, but its credentials trend towards urbanisation and the development of will be vulnerable to challenge if key environmental mega-cities. As per capita incomes have increased, indicators are going in the wrong direction. Increased diets have become more diversified, with increasing demand for meat and dairy alternatives, vegan or demand for protein. This changing demographic brings ‘flexitarian’ choices, offer positive opportunities with it a number of challenges to the food system, with to grow Ireland’s horticulture and tillage sectors. the need for nutritional solutions to both maintain The increasing global consumer trend towards and enhance quality of life increasingly important. A premiumisation, and the associated consumer demand growing world population, in parallel with changing for authenticity (e.g. the geographic indication status of climate trends and increasingly frequent extreme Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur) offer continuing weather events, pose continued threats to food strong opportunities for Irish drinks producers to grow security. exports and achieve greater value-added. The increased use of technology by consumers, both CONSUMER TRENDS for digital sales and to help them make informed Trade customers and consumers are increasingly decisions in relation to healthy sustainable diets, is also demanding credible evidence that food and ingredients something the sector must take into account. are produced sustainably. Leading companies are working to ever higher Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards. Consumer trends over the next decade will be dominated by factors such as health, diet and wellbeing, linked to food that is 37 CASE STUDY: DIAGEO ‘SOCIETY 2030: SPIRIT OF PROGRESS’ BACKGROUND Additionally, the brands will also work in collaboration with farmers and those in its value chain to halve their In November 2020, Diageo announced a range of indirect carbon emissions by 2030. Diageo Ireland ambitious goals in its ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ also announced in September 2020 that the proposed plan, designed to make a positive impact on the Guinness Quarter development at St. James’s Gate world by 2030, in the ‘Decade of Action’ to achieve aims to be Dublin’s first climate neutral district. the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes implementing sustainability measures in Ireland’s largest brewery at St. James’ ACHIEVEMENTS Gate in Dublin. Across its Irish operations, Diageo demonstrated its commitment to sustainability with a massive focus on Diageo will focus its action over the next ten years reducing its environmental footprint across carbon, in three core areas, carefully selected to align with water, and waste. Recent achievements include a 32% the SDGs, among them, pioneering grain-to-glass reduction in CO2 emissions and halving water usage at sustainability. St James’s Gate. SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS In Ireland, the Guinness brand will lead the implementation of Diageo’s 2030 targets. The targets set out include: every drink produced will take 30% less water than it does today, packaging will be 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable, and production operations on the island of Ireland will become net climate neutral. 38 WORKING WITHIN PLANETARY opportunity to support primary producers in making the necessary changes. BOUNDARIES As an island nation, Ireland’s green reputation has been In this context it is important to consider ‘Just built on its many natural geographical and climatic Transition’ principles, which recognises primary advantages. When coupled with a family-farm model, producers as part of the solution to the climate these features lead to a high degree of confidence in challenge. For the Irish agri-food sector, a Just our food offering. The seas around Ireland have also Transition will entail building socio-economic led to the development of a thriving seafood sector resilience through diversification; creating climate which complements these land-based activities. resilience through sectoral adaptation; and ensuring the dissemination of knowledge and uptake of best Good progress has been made in recent years by practices. farmers, fishers, forest owners and the agri-food industry to work in collaboration on practical initiatives to improve a range of environmental metrics and this provides a good platform on which to build further progress. Political and legislative developments at international, European and national levels underscore the need for higher levels of environmental ambition - from the UN SDGs and Climate Protocols, to the European Green Deal, the 2030 Climate and Energy Framework, the EU Farm to Fork, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Strategies. Nationally, the 2020 Programme for Government, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill, and the Ag Climatise Strategy, complete a challenging agenda in this area. These strategies reflect consumer demand for sustainably produced food and broader societal expectations that every sector will contribute to addressing the ‘burning platforms’ of climate and biodiversity crises. They also reflect the real threat that environmental degradation poses to food production systems and sustainable forestry and fisheries management. The reorientation of the CAP and CFP to support these ambitious goals offers an 39 CASE STUDY: FARM ZERO C – BIORBIC, BIOECONOMY SFI RESEARCH CENTRE Carbery Group and its collaborators, led by Science Foundation Ireland BiOrbic bioeconomy research centre, have undertaken an interdisciplinary programme of scientific work as a direct response to the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the health and resilience of farms. Farm Zero C is attempting to achieve a new sustainable business model for farming to address the challenge of climate neutral farming. Carbery, based at Balineen in West Cork, will measure the carbon emissions and sequestration on the research and demonstration farm at Shinagh near Bandon, which is owned by the four West Cork Co-ops that make up Carbery. The Shinagh Farm is being used to test measures to reduce carbon output, and to implement carbon sequestration, to the extent that production is climate neutral. Carbery’s Farm Zero C project includes grass bio-refining to improve the protein efficiency, value and sustainability of grasslands, with other measures targeting soil and multi-species grassland; animal diet and breeding; biodiversity; life cycle analysis and renewable energy. Once the proof of concept is in place, the opportunity to roll out the best practices to a large group of Carbery suppliers and even to the entire dairy farming sector in Ireland is considerable. 40 INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL TRADE While the avoidance of tariffs was hugely significant to December for the approximately 220 polyvalent for Ireland’s agri food sector, the impact of customs vessels and beam trawlers directly impacted by the The process of producing goods, from raw materials to and sanitary and phytosanitary checks (SPS), new quota transfers under the TCA. The interim report also finished products, is increasingly carried out wherever certification requirements, and implications for rules recommends a range of initiatives to address the quota the necessary skills and materials are available at of origin, add cost and delay to trade between the reductions in the TCA. These recommended actions competitive cost and quality. As an exporting country, EU and the UK. The impact on the fisheries sector will be considered further by the Taskforce and will be Ireland is highly embedded in these Global Value is particularly challenging as EU, and especially set down in detail in the Taskforce’s main report. Chains (GVCs), including in agri-food. Irish fishers, rely to a significant extent on access Short supply chains can also offer advantages, to EU waters and quota share for their livelihoods. THE ISLAND OF IRELAND but there is a need to balance these with today’s The agreement sets out a phased period where the There is significant mutually-beneficial co-operation globally interconnected and interdependent world. transition to a new quota share will take place for across the island of Ireland in respect of the agri-food Renationalisation of production and supply chains certain stocks involving significant reductions, with an sector. The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) can pose significant risks, including to food security. overall quota reduction for the EU fleet of 25%, with was established under the Good Friday Agreement to Short supply chains can complement GVCs but cannot 60% of this reduction applying in 2021. The cost of the develop consultation, co-operation and action within replace them and therefore, a mix of both offers the final quota transfer by Ireland will amount to 15% loss the island on matters of mutual interest. Agriculture is most prudent approach to ensuring safe secure food of the overall value, and significantly more for some one of the mandated areas of co-operation. supplies. species. The All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Ireland remains committed to open, global, rules-based Notwithstanding these significant challenges, there facilitates cooperation across a range of areas trading which the agri-food sector has benefitted will be opportunities to continue to develop and including veterinary medicines, efforts to combat from. However, trade agreements must always be grow the British market. However, it is also crucial to animal diseases, the exchange of data to facilitate the balanced, and must be based on thorough analysis and continue the market diversification work that has been movement of bovine animals and contingency planning assessment. ongoing. Measures have been established to support for animal diseases of national importance. In relation farmers, fishers and businesses with Brexit-related to plant health, a steering group oversees cooperation BREXIT AND THE UK RELATIONSHIP preparedness. on areas of mutual interest across plant health and On the 24 December 2020, the EU-UK Trade and The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine pesticides. This is especially important as the island is Cooperation Agreement was formally agreed. It was has established a Seafood Sector Taskforce, treated as a single epidemiological unit. preceded by an Agreement on Withdrawal and a involving seafood industry representatives and There is also good cooperation on research funding Protocol for Northern Ireland (NI). These agreements other stakeholders, to make recommendations on and interaction between DAFM & DAERA via became applicable from 1 January 2021 as the UK measures to mitigate the impacts of the fish quota InterTrade Ireland aimed at facilitating researchers to officially exited the transition period. The agreements share reductions, arising from the EU-UK Trade and form consortia for funding applications avoided the imposition of tariffs on goods traded to Cooperation Agreement, on the Irish Fishing industry and from the United Kingdom. They also aligned NI to and on the coastal communities that depend on Co-operation also extends to the development of an Single Market rules and the EU customs code, while fisheries. In its interim report, published in June 2021, All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, first in 2015, and a new allowing it remaining in the UK customs territory, and the Taskforce recommends that a voluntary tie-up version recently launched for 2021-2025. obviated the need for a hard border on the island of scheme be put in place for the period September Ireland. 41 A number of Irish food and drink sectors have operated Furthermore it recognises that different regions of Ensuring the safety, integrity and authenticity of the with seamless cross-border supply chains. The the world have climates (temperatures, rainfall etc.) food chain is also essential to protecting consumers’ Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland protects and soils which are more suitable for certain types of health. Ireland enjoys a strong reputation for food the all-island sectors and cross-border supply chains agriculture, for example pasture fed livestock, tillage or safety, and this is an essential pre-requisite for trade. from tariffs and checks but other barriers to trade may horticulture, and therefore that international trade is Food business operators are aware that they have emerge. of importance in ensuring universal availability of both primary responsibility for the safety and authenticity staples and nutrient-rich foods. Human health is also of the food they produce, and that compliance with FOOD, NUTRITION connected with planetary health and this is reflected in one of the guiding principles of the Committee on standards is verified by a robust and transparent food safety controls system. However, there is a need for AND HEALTH World Food Security 2021 Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition which states “Healthy continuous investment and improvement to make the food system more robust in order to minimise Recognising the link between food and nutrition and and prosperous people, healthy planet: Promote policies and manage risk. A key component is data and the the relationship between diet and health are crucial and actions that enhance the livelihoods, health, and evidence to underpin assertions of food safety and elements of a functioning food system. well-being of the population, as well as sustainable food food authenticity and the technological innovation to Much progress has been made in the fight against production and responsible consumption of safe, diverse deliver this. hunger. However, while the percentage of the world’s and nutritious foods to enable healthy diets and to At international level, a number of policy approaches population suffering from undernourishment is protect and promote sustainable use of natural resources, towards public health have emerged. The WHO declining, the goal of Zero Hunger (SDG 2) is not on biodiversity and ecosystems, and support mitigation and has developed its ‘One Health’ policy, to design and track to be met by 2030, and there are also issues with adaptation to climate change, as appropriate”. implement programmes, policies, legislation and micronutrient deficiencies, over-nutrition causing It is important that debate on the consumption and research, in which multiple sectors work together to overweight and obesity, and lack of access to healthy production of food and drink products is informed by achieve better public health outcomes. “One Health, food. good science and evidence. The positive role of animal One Welfare” captures the relationship between The Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems sourced foods in diets is discussed in Box 2. human health and animal health - particularly the for Nutrition, in its 2020 Foresight 2.0 report, said threat posed, both by AMR (antimicrobial resistance), Initiatives under the Healthy Ireland framework, regarding a healthy diet: ‘While there is no single dietary and by zoonoses (diseases which can be passed from including the Healthy Ireland Food Pyramid, pattern that delivers ‘good health’ in every society, there animals to humans). It recognises the relationship the National Obesity Strategy 2016, Healthy is broad agreement on what elements should be included between human well-being and animal welfare, Eating Guidelines for One to Four Year Olds, the in healthy or high-quality diets. They include a diversity of particularly the inter-dependencies between animals introduction of a sugar tax and progress within the foods which are safe and provide energy and key nutrients and the people who care for them, but also the attitude sector on product reformulation have made positive of all kinds appropriate to age, sex, disease status and of consumers towards the animal welfare aspects of contributions in this area. Informed by scientific physical activity (i.e. nutrient-rich). The Healthy Ireland food production systems. evidence, these offer a solid foundation on which to Food Pyramid reflects these recommendations. The make further progress on diet-related health issues, Ireland has a good animal disease and health status, Global Panel is not promoting a single or universal diet. including childhood obesity and malnutrition in the based in the first instance on our island location, but It seeks instead to promote policy actions across the elderly. supported by significant public-private investment in entire food system to secure a high-quality diet for all. disease control and eradication, and the husbandry 42 BOX 2: THE ROLE OF ANIMAL-SOURCED FOODS IN DIETS Animal-Sourced Foods are nutrient-rich foods. intake of milk, fortified milk and meat could address deaths and disease burden globally. In contrast to They contribute to a large proportion of key these inadequacies. Worldwide, countries with those large numbers, the deleterious effects of an nutrients in the diets of children, adolescents, and the lowest dietary intakes of meat, dairy and fish, excessive intake of red meat (25 thousand deaths adults, in Ireland and elsewhere. In addition to being have the highest rates of childhood stunting – the and 1 million DALYs) were relatively small. It is also a source of high-biological value protein, many prevalence of stunting in children under the age of 5 noteworthy that iron deficiency anaemia, which can essential health promoting micronutrients (vitamins years is greater than 30% in India and in many Sub- in large part be prevented by moderate consumption A, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12 and D, calcium, iron, Sahara African countries, whereas the prevalence in of red meat haem-iron, was responsible for zinc, iodine and selenium, and long-chain omega-3 Ireland and Europe is less than 2.5%. considerably more disease burden (60 thousand polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]), are either deaths and 34 million DALYs). Worldwide, we are Many of the recently developed Novel Plant- most efficiently, or only, included in the human diet, not eating enough dairy foods nor enough oily fish Based Meat and Dairy Alternatives, designed to through moderate consumption of animal-sourced - diets low in milk and in seafood-derived omega-3 mimic the sensory experience of meat and dairy, foods. High quality protein intake is important for PUFAs caused 126 thousand and 1.5 million deaths, can be calorie, sugar and salt rich, and some only muscle growth and maintenance - dairy and meat respectively, and 2.7 million and 32 million DALYs contain a fraction of the protein content of animal– food sources contribute to over 50% of Irish protein respectively. sourced foods. Furthermore, the mimicking of intakes. Calcium and vitamin D are vital for bone animal foods using isolated plant proteins, fats, In Conclusion, animal sourced foods are nutrient development during childhood and adolescents vitamins, and minerals likely underestimates the rich. Reducing or removing them from the diet - meat and dairy food sources contribute true nutritional complexity of whole foods in their would have substantial negative health implications. approximately 50% of calcium and 40% of vitamin natural state, which contain hundreds to thousands Therefore, consumption of meat, dairy, seafood and D intakes in Irish children. Iodine is crucial at all of nutrients that impact human health. Hence the eggs, in appropriate evidence-based quantities, will stages of life but is imperative during pregnancy current consensus is that these novel plant-based continue to be included in the official advice and and early childhood for fetal brain development products should only be treated as meat and dairy guidelines for a healthy, balanced diet. and neurodevelopment respectively. Milk is a major alternatives in terms of sensory experience, but not source of iodine in Ireland contributing 45-65% to - as true replacements in terms of nutrition. intake in adults and children. Dietary Excesses and Deficiencies and the Impact of Dietary Deficiencies in Animal-Sourced Causation of Non-Communicable Diseases. In Foods on Children. Ireland’s National Children’s Food 2017, excessive calorie intake (5 million deaths and Survey 2017-2018 found that significant numbers 148 million disability-adjusted life-years, [DALYs]) of children have inadequate intakes of vitamin D, and diets high in salt (3 million deaths and 70 calcium, iron and folate and that an appropriate million DALYs) were the leading dietary causes of 43 CASE STUDY: SELECTIVE DRY COW THERAPY TO REDUCE THE DEVELOPMENT AND SPREAD OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE Eoghan McCarthy, a dairy farmer from Co Kerry with His minimal use of antibiotics on his farm, the a herd of 120 dairy cows, has moved towards the reduction in use of dry cow tubes, and in particular the use of selective dry cow therapy in recent years. His use of highest priority critically important antibiotics, concerns with regard to reducing the use of antibiotics found in some of these dry cow tubes highlights what in his animals increased as he became aware of the can be done. Dairy farmers like Eoghan recognise the The McCarthy Family public health challenge of antimicrobial resistance. important role they have in the production of safe He stopped the use of blanket dry cow therapy in nutritious food in sustainable way that addresses the his herd, as well as working to prevent disease, and One Health concern of antimicrobial resistance. improve the overall health of the animals on his farm, in consultation with his veterinary practitioner. Eoghan recognised the importance of responsible use of antibiotics, and both the health and economic benefits of reducing his antibiotic usage overall. He developed a herd health plan with his veterinary practitioner, with a focus on vaccination for certain diseases that were impacting on this overall productivity. He gradually moved over to selective dry cow therapy and is now using teat sealer only in 60% of his herd. His experience with selective dry cow therapy has been very positive, but his use of monthly milk recording has been essential to this. The use of the milk recording data and his hygiene practices both at milking and generally on farm have allowed him to maintain an exceptional somatic cell count for his herd of 80,000 cells/ml. Eoghan recognises the importance of biosecurity, and breeds all his own replacements to minimise the introduction of disease into the herd. 44 competence on Irish farms. However, new threats are SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGICAL skills and talent, the development of scale, investment emerging on an ongoing basis, arising for example from in innovation, access to finance and liquidity, the DEVELOPMENT the impact of climate change (e.g. exotic diseases and reduction of business operating costs, enhanced pests moving into Europe) and connectivity (e.g. new Existing and emerging technologies, including productivity, and the overall business environment. diseases being introduced through transport linkages). nature and biobased solutions, present significant opportunities. Technological innovation and precision AMR is a human health threat, arising from the over- SKILLS & TALENT use of antibiotics to treat human and animal diseases. agriculture have the potential to improve the productivity, quality and sustainability of current agri- Attracting and retaining trained and skilled workers Improving animal health while minimising the use of is an ongoing challenge for businesses right across antibiotics is an essential contribution which Ireland’s food systems (e.g. satellites, sensors, drones, robots). Other technologies, such as big data, machine learning, the agri-food sector. The Bord Bia Readiness Radar food system can make to address this threat. Report 2020 found that agri-food companies consider biorefining, and nature based approaches, could bring about fundamental shifts that would dramatically talent to be as critical a risk as sustainability. Talent is INNOVATION, alter how we produce, source, process, package, generally a scarce resource and the agri-food sector is competing with all other sectors of the economy COMPETITIVENESS AND distribute, market & retail food and biobased products and how we manage waste. These technologies will to attract and retain that talent. This affects roles HUMAN CAPITAL also be key to advancing circular agriculture and the bioeconomy. Digitalisation is creating unprecedented across all skill levels. While there may be potential for certain lower-skilled, lower-paid and repetitive roles The Irish food system needs to be amounts of data and opening up opportunities for the to be automated, this requires significant research, development and investment in technology. innovative, responsive to scientific & development of public and private sector data-driven decision making. technological development, competitive and resilient. The skills and talent of the COMPETITIVENESS AND RESILIENCE people working in the sector are crucial. The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council has stated that while Ireland’s overall INNOVATION competitiveness performance is in the top twenty Innovation is widely recognised by the OECD as the percent globally, in some key areas the country is main driver of long-term sustainable growth. The Bord not performing well, most particularly in relation to Bia Readiness Radar Report showed that over 70% the environment, broadband coverage, digital skills, of businesses consider insight and innovation to be a and the productivity of the SME sector. It says that very high or high priority for their future success. The dealing with these competitiveness weaknesses will ability of our agri-food sector to innovate will also be be paramount to achieving a sustainable and balanced of critical importance in dealing with the challenges recovery in a period of heightened global uncertainty. of economic and environmental sustainability and Factors influencing the competitiveness and resilience resilience. An effective innovation system is one of the of the agri-food sector include responsiveness to key enablers. market signals, the ability to develop and attract new 45 THE POLICY development in a manner that does not threaten food production. The Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies have laid out stretch targets for the EU as a ENVIRONMENT • The UN Food Systems Summit (FSS) 2021 whole around areas such as fertiliser & pesticide use, organic farming, circular bioeconomy and The FSS has been convened by the UN Secretary INTERNATIONAL POLICY increasing afforestation. Taken together, they will General to highlight the important role food require very significant change in how we farm • The UN Sustainable Development Goals systems must play if the SDGs are to be achieved and fish, manage our forests and how we process, The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by 2030. The Summit will pursue five specific distribute and consume food and bio-based out a vision and blueprint for a safer, fairer, more objectives: ensuring access to safe and nutritious products and manage waste. prosperous and sustainable world by 2030. Of food for all; shifting to sustainable consumptions the seventeen SDGs, nearly all link either directly patterns; boosting nature-positive production at • The Common Agricultural Policy or indirectly to the food system, e.g., SDG2 (food sufficient scale; advancing equitable livelihoods The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) delivers security) and SDG8 (decent work and economic and value distribution; and building resilience to important benefits to Ireland. It contributes to growth), while others such as SDG12 (responsible vulnerabilities, shocks and stresses. Ireland intends the delivery of public goods through more than consumption and production), SDG13 (climate to play an active role in the FSS and has developed 137,500 Irish farms who manage approximately action), SDG14 (life below water) and SDG15 a whole-of-government strategic approach to its 4.9m hectares of land or 70% of Ireland’s land area, (life on land) relate directly to environmental engagement with the Summit. The development of delivering positive outcomes for landscape, climate sustainability. The SDGs are indivisible and this Strategy using a food systems approach will be change, biodiversity and water quality. In 2019 CAP universal – they belong to everyone, in every of particular interest and relevance to the FSS. supports accounted for 78% of Family Farm Income community, in every country across the world in Ireland with an average total direct payment of including Ireland. As a result, there is an onus on us EUROPEAN POLICY €18,325 per farm. to conceive, develop and implement policies that • The EU Green Deal, Farm to Fork, Circular Economy Legislative proposals on the Common Agricultural address these goals, including agri-food policy. and Biodiversity Strategies Policy (CAP) for the period to 2027 continue to • The Paris Climate Agreement At EU level, the European Green Deal (EGD) be considered. The proposals aim to ensure that The Paris Agreement is a legally binding represents a fundamental political and policy the CAP can continue to provide strong support international treaty on climate change adopted by commitment towards Europe becoming the first for European farming, the production of high- 196 Parties at COP 21 in December 2015. Its goal climate-neutral continent by 2050. The EGD has quality food and a range of eco system services. is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and led to the development of a number of important The proposals will also support the objectives of preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre- industrial initiatives, including the EU Circular Economy Action the European Green Deal. Higher environmental levels. To achieve this long-term temperature Plan and the Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy. The F2F ambition in the new CAP will be delivered through goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of Strategy is at the heart of the EGD: it addresses increased conditionality for direct payments and a greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to the challenges of sustainable food systems and dedicated eco scheme in Pillar 1 (income support) achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century. The recognises the links between healthy people, healthy with at least 30% of Pillar 2 funding (formerly Agreement also aims to enhance adaptive capacity societies and a healthy planet. It is also central to the the rural development programme) directed and foster climate resilience and low-emission EU’s achievement of the UN SDGs. at environmental objectives. At national level these objectives will be delivered through a CAP 46 COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY OBJECTIVES National Strategic Plan to be approved by the EU Commission, that will take national specificities into account. • The Common Fisheries Policy The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is a set of rules for managing European fishing fleets and for conserving fish stocks. The overarching goal of FOOD VALUE COMPETITIVENESS the CFP is to ensure that fishing and aquaculture CHAIN are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. Designed to manage a common resource, it gives all European fishing fleets equal access to FAIR CLIMATE EU waters and fishing grounds, subject to allocated INCOME CHANGE fish quotas, and allows fishermen to compete fairly. The CFP provides the framework for the long-term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks and is designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishing in Irish and throughout EU waters. ENVIRONMENTAL CARE The current CFP came into force on 1 January 2014 following an extensive reform process. Some of the main elements of the CFP include: the discard ban or landing obligation, which aims to eliminate the wasteful and unsustainable practice of discarding; FOOD the establishment of regional decision-making HEALTH LANDSCAPES arrangements; and the setting of Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas to deliver Maximum Sustainable Yield, which is the level that allows RURAL GENERATIONAL the highest catch of fish while keeping stocks AREAS RENEWAL sustainable in the long term. For 2020, 62 out of the 78 TACs discussed at the 2019 December Fisheries Council were set at or below the level of Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). In 2009, only 5 stocks were fished at MSY. This is a significant achievement and Ireland will continue to work with stakeholders, Member States and the Commission to build on this tangible progress to secure a 47 sustainable future for our seafood sector and the coastal communities which depend upon it. Overall, the impact of the pandemic on food markets has been limited thanks to this resilience in the food CURRENT ECONOMIC The CFP is reviewed every 10 years and the chain. This is evident when considering agri-food exports in 2020. Despite the disruptions to supply and OUTLOOK next review is scheduled to be completed by 31 The OECD has stated that after dropping by 4.7% in demand caused by COVID-19 total agri-food exports December 2022 when the European Commission 2020, global GDP is expected to rebound in 2021- are estimated at €14.2 billion for 2020, compared will report to the European Parliament and the 22 and level-off at an annual rate of 2.9% by 2030 to €14.6 billion the previous year, a reduction of 3% Council on the functioning of the CFP. When the and that the world economy should recover to its overall, although the impact was more pronounced report has been presented, if any changes are pre COVID-19 level by 2022. However, the path of for certain sectors. This is a remarkable achievement required, the Commission will bring forward a recovery is likely to be uneven across countries and considering the challenges food and drink producers proposal for an amendment of the CFP Regulation. regions. It predicts that global growth will be mainly faced since March 2020, including the shutdown of the Ireland will be seeking that the upcoming review driven by Asia, where India is projected to experience food services sector across Europe and beyond. of the CFP must address the disproportionate the highest growth at 6.7% p.a. over the next decade impact on the Irish fishing industry by Brexit, as There are lessons from the pandemic for the agri-food and that China, one of the rare countries that recorded recommended in the interim report of the Seafood sector and new trends that need to be considered. positive GDP growth in 2020, is projected to grow at Sector Taskforce. There has been an increase in use of e-commerce and an annual rate of 5.5% over the next ten years. In North digital platforms and an increase in consumer focus America and Europe, GDP growth is projected to be COVID-19 AND THE on food safety and more demand in some instances for locally produced food. However, experience so more moderate, at 2% pa and 1.6% pa, respectively. RESILIENCE OF AGRI- far shows the importance of an open and predictable international trade environment to ensure food For Ireland, the ESRI forecasts a return to growth for 2021, assuming vaccines will be widely available over FOOD can move to where it is needed. The biggest risk for the second half of the year. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic touched food security is not with food availability but with all aspects of humanity and all sectors of society and consumers’ access to food: safety nets are essential to the economy, including agri-food. The sector, which is avoid an increase in hunger and food insecurity. The obviously critical to maintaining food supply chains, pandemic has also highlighted the critical role that from farm inputs to retail distribution, demonstrated essential workers, including those across the agri-food its resilience. Activity within the sector was deemed supply chain, play in our economy, society and our essential and there was very little disruption to day to day lives, and greater consideration is needed production. The pandemic has underlined the of their working conditions. Despite the relative importance of a robust and resilient food system success in navigating the pandemic, strengthening that functions in all circumstances and is capable the resilience of the sector, including better risk of ensuring access to a sufficient supply of safe, management at all levels, remains a challenge. The affordable food for citizens. pandemic provides an opportunity to learn more about vulnerabilities in the food system in order to identify necessary reforms to help build back better. 48 CASE STUDY: DIRECT SELLING TO CONSUMERS, REBEL CITY DISTILLERY COVID-19 has had various impacts e-commerce capabilities. To drive traffic and generate sales on their online store, they invested in social on the food, drink and horticulture media advertising and Google Search Campaigns. Best industry, including changes to shopper practice e-commerce techniques such as free delivery behaviour, with 17% of consumers doing promotions and bundled product offerings were also their grocery shopping online more implemented. Robert and Bhagya Barrett, co-founders of Rebel City often and 49% expecting to continue to On account of the businesses agile response and Distillery do more in the future (Bord Bia, 2020). move to direct to consumer selling, Maharani Gin has The pandemic has resulted in major enjoyed continued growth both online and offline. In addition to the Rebel City online store, Maharani is consequences for the industry, requiring now available in 70 stockists nationwide and recently businesses to make swift and radical secured its first international listing with Century changes in order to survive. Wines, Singapore. Rebel City’s founder Robert Barrett said “when first Rebel City Distillery is the first new distillery in Cork devising our route to market, we never could have foreseen City in almost fifty years. The distillery’s first release, COVID-19. Although the pandemic has brought many Maharani Gin was due to launch in March 2020 in high- challenges, we’ve innovated and adapted in ways we end restaurants and bars around the country. However, couldn’t have imagined. We didn’t intend to sell online so right before launch, Ireland went into lockdown and soon, but this has allowed us to connect directly with our the business was forced to dramatically rethink its consumers and build a valuable relationship with them strategy if Maharani was to succeed. from the outset. We have exciting new products in the With all on-trade establishments closed, Maharani pipeline and with our online shop we’ll be able to launch launched ‘virtually’, through online stockists and via these in market quicker than ever before.” local off-licences. Recognising the growth in online shopping, the company identified the opportunity to sell direct to consumers and quickly launched their own online store. After developing a digital marketing strategy, the team focused on up skilling their 49 STRATEGIC VISION AND STRUCTURE 50 The work of this Committee takes place within a complex framework involving economic, social, environmental, policy, regulatory and human dimensions. In considering how best to position Ireland’s agri- food sector against that background, the Committee has decided that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) over the next decade. This will deliver significant benefits for the Irish This Strategy to 2030 has four main Missions: are the subject of separate processes and governance agri-food sector itself, for Irish society and the procedures. However, the strategic direction laid out • A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri- environment. In demonstrating the Irish agri-food here should input into and influence these. Food Sector sector meets the highest standards of sustainability A detailed look at each of the four missions follows, – economic, environmental, and social – this will also • Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with as well as the Monitoring and Implementation provide the basis for the future competitive advantage Enhanced Wellbeing Framework. of the sector. By adopting an integrated food systems • Food which is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, approach, Ireland will seek to become a global leader Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad of innovation for sustainable food and agriculture systems, producing safe, nutritious, and high-value • An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Sector, food that tastes great, while protecting and enhancing driven by Technology and Talent our natural and cultural resources and contributing to A high-level Monitoring and Implementation vibrant rural and coastal communities and the national Framework is also proposed. This highlights areas for economy. collaboration and partnership within the sector, but In this context, this Strategy has adopted a framework also involves external stakeholders in oversight and which revolves around high-level missions, monitoring mechanisms, with specific requirements underpinned by a series of key goals and actions. for environmental aspects. A more detailed plan This reflects a movement in recent times to mission- with the actions and their owners, deliverables and oriented policy which responds to ‘grand challenges’ timeline for implementation is published separately, and moves from narrow sector-based approaches to as is the Strategic Environmental Assessment and more system-wide transformation. Alignment between Appropriate Assessment. It is not always possible to the goals and relevant SDGs is indicated throughout. be specific on pathways to targets and deliverables. Many of the other policies directly affecting the sector 51 MISSION 1 A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector 52 The agri-food sector in all its dimensions, from land to sea and all along the value chain up to the provision of food to consumers, is intimately connected to the natural environment. This relationship needs to be balanced to ensure a climate smart, environmentally sustainable agri-food sector for the next decade and beyond. Many worthwhile, innovative measures have been forestry exerts the most pressure on water quality. and waste, and packaging. As custodians of the land developed over the years, in collaboration with Changes in agriculture, forestry and fishing activities and sea, farmers, fishers and forest owners have a primary producers, to mitigate both climate and have also impacted on biodiversity on land and key role in responding to the climate and biodiversity environmental impacts and there are great examples of sea. While overall bovine numbers have remained emergency. A broad range of approaches, actions, real success built on partnerships. From a water quality relatively stable, the removal of milk quotas has led to tools and technologies are presented in this Mission perspective, the Agricultural Sustainability Support an expansion in the dairy herd resulting in particular to help them in this journey. If implemented, they will and Advisory Programme (ASSAP); from a biodiversity environmental pressures. However all farming systems enable them to no longer be considered as part of the perspective the locally led EIPs such as the Bride; from have a role to play in reducing the impact of agriculture problem and instead, will become part of the solution. a climate, biodiversity and water quality perspective, on climate and the environment. It would be unfair and unreasonable to expect primary national scale agri-environmental schemes such as producers to do it alone and therefore Exchequer and Facing into the decade to 2030, the agri-food sector GLAS; new, more sustainable fishing equipment; and EU financial supports will be required to encourage has to make significant and urgent improvements Origin Green – the world’s only national food and drink necessary actions and investments at farm level. in its environmental footprint. Leadership from all sustainability programme. However, despite initiatives A range of measures are also presented for other the stakeholders is paramount, as failure to achieve such as these, environmental metrics which the sector actors in the system to pursue – knowledge exchange improvements in the environmental footprint will has direct influence over are trending negatively. practitioners both public and private, researchers, result in an erosion of Ireland’s reputation as a agri-food processors, retailers, consumers, the Agriculture has a key role in protecting both our sustainable producer of quality food. It will also Government, amongst others. Through the combined climate and environmental credentials. The sector mean that Ireland cannot take a leading position efforts of many, in a spirit of partnership and with has recognised it is the largest contributor to Ireland’s internationally as an advocate of Sustainable Food the ambition of becoming a leader in Sustainable greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around a Systems. Food Systems, the agri-food sector can play its part third, and from an air quality perspective is almost While the challenge is significant, solutions do exist and in operating within planetary boundaries, delivering exclusively responsible for all ammonia emissions. these are the focus of the Goals and Actions outlined a well-protected environment for the benefit of While challenging from an Irish perspective and in this Mission of ‘A Climate Smart, Environmentally themselves, broader Irish society, and nature itself. unusual in an international context, it demonstrates Sustainable Agri-Food Sector’. The Mission takes a the economic, and historical importance of agriculture detailed, systematic approach to address each aspect in Ireland relative to other industries. As the of the environment – climate, ammonia, biodiversity, predominant land use in Ireland, agriculture and water, forests, seafood, the bioeconomy, food loss 53 Goal 1 Develop a Climate Neutral Agri-Food Goal 7 System by 2050 Strengthen Origin Green and other Goal 2 Sustainability Supports Restore and to Reflect the Higher Level Enhance of Ambition for the Biodiversity Agri-Food Sector MISSION 1 A Climate Smart, Environmentally Goal 3 Goal 6 Sustainable Protect High Status Embed the Agri- Agri-Food Sites and Contribute Food Sector in the Circular, Regenerative Sector to Achieving Good Water Quality and Bioeconomy Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems Goal 5 Goal 4 Enhance the Develop Diverse, Environmental Multi-Functional Sustainability of the Forests Seafood Sector 54 55 GOAL 1 Develop a Climate Neutral Agri- Food System so that by 2050, the Climate Impact of Methane is Reduced to Zero and Remaining Agricultural Emissions are Balanced by Removals; and Improve Air Quality 56 The actions outlined to address this of increasing afforestation significantly above existing ACTION 1 levels to at least 8,000 ha per year. Forestry’s role in goal are designed to be built on through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by more detailed plans, programmes Immediately implement the ‘Ag sequestration, substituting materials and energy from and initiatives. Appropriate actions Climatise’ Roadmap. fossil fuels and the importance of carbon storage in should be developed and implemented harvested wood products will play an important part in from both publicly-funded sources achieving a climate neutral economy. ‘Ag Climatise’ sets a vision for a ‘climate neutral and from Industry, as well as through agriculture sector by 2050’. It was developed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine other partnerships (see Monitoring ACTION 2 on foot of extensive engagement with stakeholders and Implementation Framework for from industry, research, policy, farmers and more detail). The actions address both environmental groups. It includes 29 actions, with Produce detailed plans by Q2 2022 to GHG and ammonia emissions, and specific and challenging targets aimed at reducing the manage the sustainable environmental many have multiple co-benefits for environmental footprint of agriculture. These aim to footprint of the dairy and the beef reduce emissions of agricultural GHGs and ammonia, sectors. other environmental areas, particularly which are close to being joint products in that reducing water quality and biodiversity, while the former will also lead to reductions in the latter. Ag Climatise makes clear that any increase in biogenic also offering economic advantages. The Many of these actions are being acted upon and they methane emissions from continually increasing role of forests in carbon sequestration, provide the key tools for carbon storage and emissions livestock numbers will put the achievement of this abatement. The establishment of a ‘Signpost Farm storing carbon in harvested wood target in doubt. While suckler cow numbers have Programme’ will guide farmers on how to implement products and substituting materials gradually reduced over recent years, the number of many of the actions in Ag Climatise. Collaboration dairy cows continues to increase, meaning that overall, made from nonrenewable fossil fuels among all stakeholders, particularly knowledge total cattle numbers are relatively stable. However, will play an ever-increasing role. The exchange services both public and private, will be the the substantial increase in dairy cow numbers in some key to its successful implementation. Ag Climatise actions reflect those recommended in regions is posing challenges to some environmental foresees a significant reduction in methane emissions, the Marginal Abatement Cost Curves for in the order of 24-47%, out to 2050. This Strategy indicators. agricultural GHGs, forestry and ammonia to 2030 adds to this ambition by aiming to achieve These plans should: and notable adoption and national a minimum 10% reduction in biogenic methane by • Reduce total methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia recognition will determine success. 2030. This aligns with the international position of the emissions, and make a positive contribution to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) improved water quality and biodiversity; and mirrors the approach being taken elsewhere. In conjunction with measures to reduce emissions, • Address regulatory and legislative environmental technology will play a key role in underpinning this requirements, taking into account future Climate ambition. Ag Climatise also recognises the importance Action legislation regulatory targets to 2030, and 57 revised Nitrates regulations; ACTION 3 ACTION 4 • Recognise the linkages and inter-dependencies between the two sectors.; Update Ag Climatise, as required, to Roll out ‘Carbon Farming’. • Build on the Ag Climatise measures; particularly ensure consistency with new targets the impact of management practices and the agreed nationally and internationally Ag Climatise commits to a pilot scheme for on-farm application of existing technologies at farm level, as well as emerging methane and ammonia mitigation for the agri-food sector. carbon trading, to reward farmers for the public goods they are providing. There are benefits to C-trading technologies, promotion of better pasture especially when it can mobilise greater positive action management, including reducing chemical nitrogen Ag Climatise is only a first step in agriculture making its and support innovation at farm level that can result in use and increasing clover (and use of PastureBase contribution to climate mitigation. The Climate Action verifiable emissions reduction and CO2 removals in Ireland), genetics and feed additives; and and Low Carbon (Amendment) Bill 2020, sets outs the agricultural and LULUCF inventory. There is also Ireland’s National 2050 climate objective to achieve • Consider incentives required to deliver and scope to consider the role of forests and voluntary a ‘climate neutral economy,’ that balances emissions implement practices and technologies on farms, carbon markets. This should align with the proposed and removals within the State by the end of 2050 and which are delivery/performance based. EU Carbon Farming Initiative as set out in the Farm to in subsequent years. It is important to note that the Fork Strategy, whereby a new regulatory framework Initiatives such as “Dairy Sustainability Ireland” (the draft Bill recognises the distinctive characteristics for certifying carbon removals will underpin a payment first ‘whole of sector/whole of government’ approach of biogenic methane and the fact that it is neither to farmers. This will require a number of elements, as to addressing the challenges of the industry), the necessary nor feasible to reduce methane to zero. It follows: Teagasc signpost farms (and proposed “Sustainable will introduce a system of successive 5-year, economy- Dairy Farm of the Future” blueprint) and advisory wide carbon budgets starting in 2021, and agriculture a. The pursuit of environmentally sustainable land services (public and private) are crucial here to support will be subject to a sectoral target - these will be management practices that reduce CO2 loss from and assist farmers in implementing new practices. reflected in updates of Ag Climatise. These updates land. Irish grassland is a net source of carbon on the measures needed to realise the revised targets dioxide and this needs to be addressed. The core will have a particular focus on abatement technologies aspects to achieve this are; the maintenance of likely to come on stream in the near future, such as existing soil organic carbon stocks, the plugging feed additives, advancements in livestock genetics of hotspots in organic soils, the prevention of that make a significant impact on emissions output new emissions on emission sensitive soils and and greater offsetting through improved carbon the enhancement of long-term sequestration sequestration and storage. Teagasc, Bord Bia, in grassland soils. A fuller understanding of the knowledge exchange practitioners and a range of other sequestration potential on farms is required, with a stakeholders will be crucial in this process of both view to including all of the relevant elements in the implementing and updating Ag Climatise (see also Goal inventory in the future. 7). b. The development of measures that give farmers credit for practices that sequester carbon, i.e. 58 carbon credits or carbon farming. This requires e. A working group should be established to examine • Grass, herbs and fodder varieties that deliver evidence-based measurement, reporting the practicability of developing a Carbon Market required sward yields and longevity at lower levels and verification. One of the first steps will be to enable farmers monetise the benefit from of nitrogen application. the establishment of the ‘National Carbon additional carbon sequestered on their farms. • Grass Biorefining for increased nitrogen and Observatory’, as an integral component of the Climate Financing, from both public and private protein use efficiency and lowering of emissions to ‘SignPost Farms’, which will provide top down sources will be crucial in this and other measures. air, soil and water. measurement of GHG fluxes from a range of This is discussed further in the Monitoring and different soils types. Improvements to a range of Implementation Framework. • Animal genetics enabling the breeding of livestock other datasets such as farm & field level activity with lower emissions. data, lidar survey data, grass growth & crop In addition: modelling, climate & soils data and soils maps are ACTION 5 needed to provide national level sequestration a.  Collaborate within the Global Research Alliance rates which will inform on-farm sequestration. Ireland will play a leading role in on Agricultural GHGs and with countries that This should align with the plans of the European face similar challenges (such as New Zealand), shaping how greenhouse gas emissions particularly in areas such as; research to reduce Commission to develop a regulatory framework for certifying carbon removals based on robust from livestock farming are understood biogenic methane at scale, including through and transparent carbon accounting, to monitor and and addressed. animal breeding, techniques to improve soil verify the authenticity of carbon removals. carbon sequestration under grazing systems As research progresses on the different characteristics and approaches to realising climate neutrality. c. Ongoing engagement with Ordinance Survey Deepening strategic partnerships, through research of various GHGs, especially short-lived emissions such Ireland (OSI) and the EPA to complete the detailed and development, learning by doing, and farmer as methane, these need to be recognised and reflected national land cover and land use map. engagement should deliver faster progress on these by the United Nations Framework Convention on d. The introduction of an independent, robust, Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on issues of mutual interest. trustworthy certification mechanism that provides Climate Change. b.  A desk-top exercise currently being carried high quality monitoring, reporting and verification out on the establishment of a National Centre Crucial to this and to driving down GHGs and ammonia will be required (which could be modelled on the of Excellence in Environmental Sustainability will be the role of innovation and research, and four Woodland and Peatland carbon codes currently in Research and Innovation (GHGs, Ammonia, water research areas in particular should be prioritised: operation in the UK). A first step in this is to carry quality and biodiversity) is expected to conclude out feasibility study on developing a voluntary • Novel feed additives to reduce the level of biogenic in 2021 and this should form the basis for how carbon trading market that also investigates the methane emissions, including their safety and to proceed with such an initiative. In addition, potential to use private sector funding to support efficacy. Closely related to this is the potential the following points should also be taken into investment in carbon farming schemes that will to develop new aquaculture opportunities, consideration: increase sequestration and/or reduce emissions in particularly the role anti-methanogenic properties soils, forestry and peatlands. of certain seaweed species could play in ruminant • Ireland needs to increase its resource and livestock diets. expertise in climate and greenhouse gas and 59 ammonia emission science and be in a position to of renewable microgeneration at a farm level can provide expertise to international projects and ACTION 6 be a cost- saving measure, with excess electricity efforts, in particular IPCC reports. providing an additional income generation stream. In Research and promote the concept of addition, these offer important farm diversification • There is an urgent need to develop expertise in methane science and soil carbon sequestration. ‘Regenerative Agriculture’, particularly opportunities. The roll-out, in 2021, of an enabling under Irish conditions. framework for micro-generation, which tackles Enteric methane accounts for 56% of total existing barriers and establishes suitable supports, agricultural emissions and solutions are urgently as foreseen in the Climate Action Plan 2019, will required to reduce this at scale. This form of agriculture aims to improve the be crucial to the delivery of this action. Finally, it is productivity potential of soil, reduce carbon levels • Public-private research models such as Food for important that relevant assessment be carried out in the air by recapturing and storing it in the soil and Health Ireland, VistaMilk and BiOrbic have proven for any renewable energy projects that could impact managing animal grazing to replicate nature. very impactful in dealing with large research on protected or sensitive sites. Appropriate inter- questions and this collaborative model should planting, wildlife corridors and boundaries/screens underpin sustainability research and innovation. should be considered where appropriate. Careful ACTION 7 consideration of scale and siting of developments • The research programme should align with the should be taken. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposals Scale up renewable energy (RE) for the delivery of five-year Assessment Reports sources, especially anaerobic digestion, (5YAR) on understanding of climate change, its impacts and response options. biorefining and biomass supply, and ACTION 8 solar PV; focus on energy efficiency; • To maximise the prospects of success in these The food and beverage industry will research efforts, particularly with regard to and examine potential barriers to the reducing enteric methane, this will take dedicated roll-out of RE at farm level, including continue to drive down GHG emissions leadership, a mission focus (see Goal 1, Mission 4), necessary support for microgeneration and develop zero waste approaches. sufficient resources both private and public, and and access to the grid. the best talent the world has to offer. As highlighted in the Bord Bia Readiness-Radar Report, all supply chain actors need to prioritise reducing their • As a general principle, all research activities Ag Climatise recognises that the agriculture sector has CO2 emissions. The Radar also highlights a readiness need to take better account of environmental a key role to play in helping Ireland meet its renewable gap that has developed between food companies at sustainability. In particular, primary production energy targets through the supply of bioenergy and different levels of turnover. Smaller companies have research needs to take a more holistic approach biobased materials in displacing fossil fuels and energy fallen behind larger manufacturers in prioritising so that productivity or competitiveness intensive materials. In addition, adoption of energy their CO2 emission reduction and so should prioritise ambitions are not considered in isolation from efficiency and renewable technology generation at addressing this. Government (including Bord Bia, BIM, environmental ambitions such as maintaining farm level can enhance the green image of the agri- Enterprise Ireland, EPA & the SEAI) should continue functioning ecosystems. food sector both nationally and globally. Citizens and to provide supports to businesses for climate action, farmers alike want to be paid for home production energy efficiency, sustainability mentoring, green of surplus renewable energy electricity. Adoption enterprise and green support programmes in order 60 to develop low carbon business models. Businesses should also develop new collaborations with farmers ACTION 10 to drive down their emissions. This will help to ensure companies keep pace with the increasing sustainability Carry out a risk analysis to assess the demands of global customers. An enhanced Origin impact of climate change on Irish food Green Programme will be crucial in this regard (see production and food safety in the Goal 7 below). following areas in particular: ACTION 9 Soil health, crop production - their nutritional value and toxicity-particularly mycotoxins (i.e. toxic Prepare for climate change through compounds naturally produced by certain moulds), animal health and onwards to human health, and implementing the actions contained animal welfare, algal bloom and aquaculture, in the statutory Agriculture, Forest pathogens across the food chain and biodiversity. and Seafood Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan. The agri-food sector will be one of the sectors most impacted by climate change through changing and more severe weather such as floods, droughts and storms. Therefore there is a need to ensure systems are future-proofed in order to reduce any associated threats and build resilience including against disruptions to markets and supply chains. Along with implementation of the Sectoral Adaptation Plan, capacity building and awareness raising to improve resilience both at primary and industry level is essential. 61 BOX 3: AG CLIMATISE The Ag Climatise roadmap is based on stabilising The roadmap proposes two strands of activity – level, and working in partnership will be critical methane emissions and a significant reduction in actions that can be implemented today and the success factors in reaching the vision of climate fertiliser-related nitrous oxide emissions, leading to development of cross-cutting enabling actions into neutrality. an absolute reduction in the agricultural greenhouse the future. The roadmap states that policies implemented to gas emissions by 2030. The roadmap is based on The former sets out twenty actions across a number achieve emissions reductions and enhance carbon a stable herd - continually increasing livestock of areas such as reducing chemical nitrogen use, removals may have social implications that need numbers will put the achievement of this target in greater use of protected urea, genotyping the entire to be addressed for just transition. It contains an doubt. Crucially, it provides a suite of targets for herd, improving animal health, reducing the crude action to establish a ‘Future of Farming in Ireland industry and farmers to work towards to reduce the protein content of animal feed to reduce ammonia Dialogue’, which will include farmers, scientists, overall agri-environmental footprint. loss, using novel feed additives to reduce biogenic environmentalists and social groups to find practical Ag Climatise aims to: methane, increasing the area of organic agriculture, solutions for productive, sustainable agriculture. reducing the management intensity of peaty soils,

1. Reduce GHG emissions from the sector. Methane Full details of Ag Climatise can be found here: gov.ie increasing afforestation and decreasing agricultural from enteric fermentation and nitrous oxide energy use. from fertiliser use are the dominant greenhouse gases from agriculture. The cross-cutting enabling actions in the future contain nine actions across areas such as continued

2. Increase the carbon sequestration potential of professional development of advisors, establishing a Ireland’s land use sector. network of sign-post farms, establishing a centre of

3. Reduce nutrient loss and contribute to improved excellence in climate smart agriculture and land use water quality and biodiversity. research, new sources of funding, and establishing

4. Meet our ammonia emissions reduction targets. a ‘Future of Farming in Ireland Dialogue’, which will include farmers, scientists, environmentalists

5. Build sustainable, resilient food production and and social groups to find practical solutions for land use management systems that meet these productive, sustainable agriculture. climate and environmental obligations, while also meeting market expectations. The roadmap highlights the fact that a failure to implement changes including those in Ag Climatise

6. Transparently communicate our progress; our will mean that more radical corrective action will be Origin Green programme will play a key role in necessary to ensure environmental commitments this regard. are met. Scientific research and innovation, the acceleration of the adoption of best practice at farm 62 62 GOAL 2 Restore and Enhance Biodiversity 63 ACTION 1 ACTION 2 ACTION 3 Build on the ‘Farm Environmental Survey Put in place more targeted agri- Undertake a national land use review Pilot’ to establish baselines of biodiversity environmental schemes under the and support the DECC led development habitats, including hedgerows, on every next Rural Development Programme of a land use strategy. farm to inform future policy development (RDP) to protect and enhance Ireland’s The national land cover map currently being designed by and measure progress. habitats and species. the OSI and EPA in collaboration with DAFM and other key stakeholders will be completed in 2021. Significant This is particularly important in relation to Natura These schemes should include results-based actions, resources are being invested in this using remote 2000 sites (SACs and SPAs) in order to avoid or including payments for delivery of specific measures sensing. This map will provide valuable information reduce impacts from agriculture, such as changes of across biodiversity (e.g. hedgerow conservation on the national land cover and land use. In addition existing semi-natural grassland of ecological value and addressing the decline in farmland birds, in work has begun by Natural Capital Ireland on devising to some other type of land use. Relevant studies of collaboration with the NPWS), carbon sequestration Natural Capital accounts for Ireland and these should potential direct and indirect impacts will be made and water quality. Natura 2000 sites should be suitably be linked through, for example, the accounts facilitating available to agri-environment advisors and relevant considered in these schemes, while recognizing the cost-benefit analysis. In addition, the ongoing work by agricultural workers (including farmers), where Natura importance of implementing the most appropriate BIM with the UN System of Environmental-Economic 2000 sites or other high value ecological receptors measures in the most appropriate places with respect Accounting (SEEA) for the Irish Seafood sector should are present on a landholding. This will include, but to Natura sites, and screening relevant plans or continue in order to contribute to the sustainable not limited to, an appreciation of appropriate buffer programmes to ensure they are sufficiently targeted to management of the sector. zones (e.g. in terms of disturbance effects on Annex II/ avoid impacts on Natura 2000 sites. The introduction IV (Habitats Directive) and Annex I (Birds Directive) of locally led and results-based projects which farmers species) or other proximal high value nationally and themselves have input into the design, such as through ACTION 4 internationally important ecological receptors. As EIPs, offer many learnings on which to build initiatives. a matter of good practice, appropriately assessed There should be consideration of the development Ireland will play an active and of a targeted programme for High Nature Value mitigation should be applied to any unforeseen or constructive role in the development uncertain effects of the Strategy. Scientific literature (HNV) farmland, ideally locally adapted to different landscapes and with result-based payments to of measures to realise the objectives on habitat buffer zones will also be made available (e.g. the hydrological effects of forestry on peatlands). encourage optimal management. Ireland has over 1m for pesticide use reduction in the EU Training in the identification of these habitats will ha of High Nature Value (HNV) farmland, extensively Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the supplement existing in-house measures. In addition, managed areas which are repositories of nature and Farm to Fork Strategy and in particular, Teagasc has been a leader in the EU incorporating culture that contribute positively to livelihoods. This consideration should reflect the quality and value of the objective of reducing pesticide use sustainability reporting into its farm survey reporting. While challenging, DAFM and Teagasc should these habitats, as well as the high cost of restoring by 50% by 2030. collaborate to consider building further biodiversity degraded and lost habitats. measurements into the National Farm Survey. 64 ACTION 5 ACTION 7 ACTION 9 Conduct appropriate and relevant Ensure the necessary actions for Carry out restoration management assessments of the impact of the more agriculture are included in the new All- of grazed peatland habitats (through, detailed Commission proposals for Ireland Pollinator Plan and that they for example, European Innovation pesticide use reduction at the same time, are disseminated to farmers. Partnerships). especially the potential for increased in-field crop Appropriate land management practices are essential losses and food waste further down the chain, as well to conserve pollinators in Ireland. ACTION 10 as loss of competitiveness, which could lead to farm system and land use change. Whilst acknowledging Build on the measures introduced to the comparatively low level of pesticide use in Ireland ACTION 8 protect and foster greater biodiversity and continued compliance with the EU Sustainable Use in forests. Directive, pesticide use across the agricultural sector Ensure that farms and forests do not should be reviewed and work should be advanced contribute to habitat destruction and on: (i) the generation of new crop varieties using New Such as minimum broadleaf composition, setbacks Plant Breeding Techniques (i.e. precision breeding isolation, and also protect features from watercourses and archaeological features, Areas tools), (ii) more widespread use of Integrated Pest of cultural heritage and traditional of Biodiversity Enhancement and the Woodland Management (IPM) to reduce pest pressure, (iii) crop landscapes. Environmental Fund, whilst recognising the need to rotations that involve more diverse crops, and (iv) maintain their economic viability as forests with rich further research and knowledge transfer in these areas This should include better enforcement of existing biodiversity offer significant public goods and societal as well as the efficacy of biological products for Irish environmental rules, including strengthened benefits. cropping systems. implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Agricultural Regulations in order to avoid habitat removal and loss of carbon pools. ACTION 6 Any risk(s) to any Natura 2000 sites as a result of new agricultural activities or enterprise should be subject Input into the next National to suitable environmental assessment requirements Biodiversity Action Plan, particularly under AA and EIA (Agriculture) criteria. In addition, operations should be avoided in known areas of on how the agriculture, forestry and Annex II/IV (Habitats Directive) mammal (volant and fisheries sectors can contribute to non-volant) and Annex I (Birds Directive) bird species the conservation and restoration during the breeding or wintering season in order to of threatened habitats, species and minimize disturbance. This approach will also consider transboundary effects where appropriate on a case- protected areas. by-case basis. 65 CASE STUDY: BIODIVERSITY REGENERATION IN A DAIRYING ENVIRONMENT (BRIDE) EIP The BRIDE project is one of 23 EIP-AGRI the options that are available in an effort to maintain and enhance wildlife on intensively managed farmland projects that are funded by DAFM under without unduly affecting agricultural production. the Rural Development Programme The project is now midway through its lifespan and (RDP) 2014-2020. These projects are appears to have struck a chord with the participants designed and implemented by their own and also the non-farming public who want to support Operational Groups which bring together farmers in improving farmland biodiversity. The actors such as farmers, researchers, project has shown how farmers can play their part advisors and agri-businesses to identify in addressing complex and multi-dimensional agri- environmental issues such as biodiversity, water and innovative solutions to particular air quality and reducing carbon footprint. challenges facing the agri-food sector and the rural economy. This innovative project, based in the River Bride catchment of north-east Co. Cork and west Co. Waterford, aims to design and implement a cost effective, results-based approach to conserve, enhance and restore habitats in lowland intensive farmland. The project is based on every farm striving to reach 10% of their farm in Biodiversity Managed Area (BMA). At the outset, a template was developed to achieve this based on a traffic light system whereby farmers who have a low BMA would be incentivised to increase their area to attain the 10%. The other part of the payment is an incentive to increase the quality of the BMA. The project is also improving the national awareness of 66 GOAL 3 Protect High Status Sites and Contribute to the Protection and Restoration of Good Water Quality and Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems, as set out in the Water Framework Directive 67 nitrogen and phosphorous. quality. The modelling approach should include ACTION 1 Climate impacts on agriculture and its impact on b. Make adjustments to the research and advice on water quality. To protect waters from agricultural agricultural systems of production (grassland, tillage etc) to bring them into line with the g. Enhance Forest Service oversight where forestry pollution, transition the agricultural transition to a lower chemical nitrogen use system related operations are planned in high status sector to a lower chemical nitrogen and implement these as soon as possible catchments. use system, and urgently in regions c. Recover more nitrogen and phosphorus from with identified water quality problems, livestock manures, increase the use of multi- particularly from diffuse losses of species pasture swards (building on learnings from ACTION 3 nitrogen. projects such as ‘SmartGrass’ and ‘SmartSward’) and incorporate more clover in grass swards (in line Reduce the risk of agricultural use of with Ag Climatise provisions). pesticides impacting water, particularly Ag Climatise focuses strongly on reducing fertiliser use and loss of nitrogen to the environment. Reducing d. Target, recognise and implement critical source drinking water, in terms of safety and nitrogen surpluses will have a number of co-benefits by areas for the protection of waters for both the health of the aquatic environment. reducing both GHG and ammonia emissions, while also Nitrogen and Phosphorus across all farms to benefiting water quality and biodiversity. support the spatial targeting of measures both The use of MCPA and other herbicides in agriculture for voluntary and nationally supported schemes. that are impacting on drinking water quality should Measures (e.g., attenuation zones, riparian zones, be reduced to the maximum extent possible by ACTION 2 buffer strips) based on on-farm assessments in sub- fully implementing the principles of integrated pest catchments designated as ‘at-risk’ will be important management. This means that the possibility of using To further protect waters, including in intercepting nutrient pathways, particularly non-chemical methods for weed control must always be phosphorous, between critical source areas and carefully considered in the first instance and prioritised surface waters, from agricultural, watercourses. where feasible. In cases where herbicides are absolutely forestry and urban/industry pollution necessary, best practice use guidelines for the e. Establish at a national level a baseline soil health (including microbiological pollution), protection of water quality must be followed. In relation assessment through mapping soil carbon and land use activities need to manage the nutrient profiles for both micro and macro to rush management, there is no requirement to use and mitigate the losses of nitrogen, nutrients at a field scale to support future balanced MCPA or other herbicides to ensure that land remains eligible for payments. Publicly available guidance on phosphorous and sediment to water. soil specific nutrient advice to reduce potential the sustainable management of rushes to minimise nutrient losses to water while reducing agriculture dependency on chemical fertilisers. herbicide use should be followed. Key elements in the realisation of this action include: f. Develop an approach through scientific modelling a. Complete the review of Ireland’s Nitrates Action at the catchment level that can inform policy and Programme in 2021, and subsequent reviews, mitigation strategies to protect and restore water and adjust the regulatory baseline accordingly for 68 ACTION 4 ACTION 5 Support farmers to target the right Launch a National Soil Sampling and measure in the right place. Analysis Programme to develop a baseline of information in relation Agriculture and forestry have a significant role to play to nutrient cycling and carbon in protecting and restoring water quality, and three key sequestration functions in soils and approaches should be taken: develop a National Soils Strategy that a. Multi-stakeholder (including public/private) will assess all appropriate soil health collaboration in programmes such as the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice parameters and will inform future Programme (ASSAP) and the Local Authority policies on good soil management Waters Programme (LAWPRO), as well as bottom- practices, including at a regional level. up and community networks such as BASE Ireland and Farming for Nature. Good soil health is critical in sequestering Carbon, b. Implementation of the targeted regulations via the producing nutrient-dense food, supporting Water Framework Directive and Nitrates Directive. biodiversity, building resilience against climate From an implementation perspective, ensure there change and much more besides. Good soil fertility and is a shared responsibility and ownership approach structure is a fundamental of sustainable production across all Government Departments and Agencies, systems but only around 15% of Irish soils have good while ensuring Industry guides responsibly to overall fertility. It should be a priority to address this ensure farmers operate within the National issue as soils at optimum fertility and pH recycle regulatory boundaries. nutrients more efficiently and should lead to a reduction in inputs for the same or increased levels of c. More targeted support (across climate, water grass or crop production while also reducing nutrient and biodiversity) under the next CAP and Rural loss. The Strategy should also take account of the Development Programme (RDP) alongside results- role of soil as a habitat, and farmers should adopt based payment schemes. These should be designed sustainable soil management practices to reduce soil to ensure participation by more intensive farmers compaction, soil erosion, increase organic matter and who typically do not engage with Agri-Environment enhance biodiversity. The National Soil Sampling and Measures, while also including Natura sites where Analysis Programme will be an important element in relevant. Where possible, forestry measures should the development of the National Soils Strategy. encourage the planting of native riparian woodland to protect watercourses. 69 CASE STUDY: NEW SIGNPOST FARM PROGRAMME The SignPost Farm Programme is a Teagasc led initiative with a ‘whole of industry approach’ to accelerate the uptake of measures in the Teagasc MACCs as well as the wider sustainability agenda including economic viability. Central to the programme is a network of SignPost Farms, which will act as demonstration farms for the programme and sites for carbon sequestration measurements. These will point the way forward towards climate smart farming, and will be central to the second element, the SignPost Advisory campaign, which will mainstream the climate action messages. In collaboration with industry, a nationwide network of 100 farms representing all sectors will implement a range of measures such as; incorporation of clover into grasslands, low emissions slurry spreading (LESS) and the use of protected urea. Developments in energy use efficiency, bioenergy and anaerobic digestion will also be demonstrated. Baseline measurements of a range of sustainability metrics such as soil carbon and biodiversity will be taken during the lifetime of the programme and progress on these metrics will be monitored. The soil carbon measurements will form an integral part of a new National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory. 70 GOAL 4 Develop Diverse, Multi-Functional Forests 71 the greater the reward. Further, it must encapsulate ACTION 1 ACTION 2 a whole of society approach and public afforestation should also be included in this new vision for tree Develop a new Forestry Strategy for Examine options for afforestation on planting. This should encourage public bodies to Ireland (in line with the recommendation state owned lands, building on initiatives review their land bank and in doing so establish native of the Mackinnon report). from Coillte and Bord na Móna. woodlands on suitable bare land. This should be prepared with the following key needs in mind: ACTION 4 (i) Maintain and protect the existing forest estate and ACTION 3 Encourage businesses to play their part reduce deforestation, when it comes to increasing forest cover. Place farmers at the centre of a new and (ii) Increase forest cover, including continuous cover improved afforestation scheme. forestry and agro-forestry The existing Woodland Environmental Fund is a good (iii) Enhance delivery of ecosystem services from new example of how businesses can be mobilised to create If afforestation targets are to be met, there needs and existing forests, including climate change additional incentives to farmers to plant trees. New to be greater flexibility in how trees are planted mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity initiatives will need to be developed in order to harness on farms in order to provide farmers with more this opportunity for forestry. (iv) Grow the circular bioeconomy by supporting options that complement their existing farming actions that underpin the importance of forest model. Harmonisation and coherence with other biomass. In meeting these needs the direction agriculture support measures is also needed. A should be towards diverse, multifunctional forests revised afforestation scheme could include: farmers ACTION 5 that strengthen the economic viability of rural undertaking the strategic planting of trees to create Implement Project Woodland, to ensure communities, protect our environment and are filtration buffers for example which can reduce resilient in the face of climate change. sedimentation of adjacent water courses and intercept that the licensing system for tree felling, nutrient runoff from dairy and cattle farms to protect thinning, roads and afforestation provides This Strategy should underpin the new Forestry Programme by setting out a pathway that not water quality; new native woodlands which can a predictable and efficient service for provide habitat corridors for wildlife while at the same only supports the future economic viability and applicants and to ensure that forests play time providing a source of domestic fuel wood; or development of the sector but introduces new small forest areas, rewilding and pioneer woodland, a positive role in the environment. measures that will maximise the multiple benefits shelterbelts, riparian planting and continuous cover forestry delivers for society. The new Strategy should forestry, with an increased focus on expanding and The positive contribution of forests and agriculture focus on sustainable forest management, afforestation, connecting areas of native woodlands. The scheme to the environment is recognised and continued maximising the potential of the exiting forest estate should encourage the principle whereby the greater participation in the Blue Dot Catchments Programme and reducing deforestation. the ambition in terms of delivering ecosystem services, and the LIFE-IP Waters of Life Programme will 72 continue to highlight best practice. The important role of forests in the implementation of measures in the ACTION 8 Forests & Water Achieving Objectives under Irelands River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021 will continue to Promote the positive role of woodlands have positive impacts on water quality. in relation to human health and mental wellbeing. ACTION 6 Also acknowledging the benefits of trees for animal welfare for shelter and shade. Promote and develop the benefits of increased use of wood and wood products as a pathway to reducing carbon footprints. ACTION 7 Work with the European Commission initiative to introduce a regulation that aims to minimize the risk that products linked to deforestation and forest degradation are placed on the EU market and to develop a definition of deforestation-free supply chains. In addition, use the EU Timber Regulation to prevent the introduction of illegally harvested timber on the EU market. 73 CASE STUDY: WOODLAND ENVIRONMENTAL FUND The Woodland Environmental Fund up of €1,000 per hectare by the business as a once-off payment for farmers and other private landowners. (WEF) is a unique scheme in that, instead of distributing exchequer and A number of large companies are participating in the WEF. While climate neutrality is one driver for EU funding to farmers, the WEF creates participation, there is also huge interest amongst the a third source of finance - funding from businesses community in getting involved in projects the business community which is given that restore biodiversity. Businesses are embracing directly to farmers to establish native the potential of the WEF; one company for example is woodlands. Native woodlands are an planning to establish hives on their native woodland to produce honey, and several companies have organised integral part of Ireland’s natural heritage, planting days for their staff. The business appetite for history and culture, and are unique in the WEF has jumped significantly and a strong pipeline terms of their biodiversity. of interest is now in place as more and more businesses move towards multiannual commitments to the WEF. These forests are home to a host of specialised During 2020 a total of 450 hectares of native forests woodland animals and plants, including red squirrel, were established, the highest area since records began. pine marten, great spotted woodpecker, narrow-leaved Of this, over 60 hectares were funded under the WEF. helleborine and wood millet, to name but a few. They Finally, since the introduction of the WEF the amount provide numerous ecosystem services, including the of native woodlands planted as a percentage of total protection and enhancement of water quality, wider planting has doubled from 10% in 2018 to 20% in habitat linkage, landscape enhancement, opportunities 2020. for outdoor recreation and interpretation, and carbon capture. The WEF ties in with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s existing Afforestation Scheme which covers 100% of the cost of establishing native woodlands and also pays an annual premium to the landowner of up to €680 per hectare payable each year for 15 years. The WEF involves an additional top- 74 GOAL 5 Enhance the Environmental Sustainability of the Seafood Sector 75 The fish stocks of importance to the Irish fleet and ACTION 1 ACTION 3 the related fishing grounds are to a large extent shared with the UK and are partly within the UK EEZ. Contribute to the development of a Continue towards improved fisheries While the UK is now an independent Third Country, successor to ‘Harnessing Our Ocean sustainability and meet the ‘Landing the TCA commits to applying proportionate and Wealth’, the integrated marine plan Obligation’. non-discriminatory measures for the conservation and management of fish stocks, while preserving for Ireland encompassing all aspects regulatory autonomy. The agreement of appropriate of the marine, with a greater focus on Continue to develop technical solutions and and ambitious technical and conservation measures approaches which help eliminate the wasteful practice sustainability. with the UK will be a high priority. of discarding; contribute towards improved fisheries sustainability; and meet the ‘Landing Obligation’ (or This will require greater stakeholder engagement with discard ban) and other legal requirements. Ireland has new targets and indicators, which will be a key element been very proactive, through the conservation work of ACTION 5 in enhancing the environmental sustainability of the BIM, in developing ways of omitting juvenile fish and seafood sector. non-target fish in fishing gear and this work should Implementation of the Irish Inshore intensify. In addition, efforts to develop infrastructure Fisheries Sector Strategy 2019-2023: to handle and store unwanted catches should Development of sustainable inshore ACTION 2 continue. Close collaborative relationships between fisheries will need to be balanced with all stakeholders including third level institutes will be Total Allowable Catches (TAC) should safeguarding fishing-related livelihoods required to further develop technical conservation continue to be informed by science measures to reduce or avoid exploitation of certain fish and protecting marine environments. stocks. and then implemented under a robust The majority of Ireland’s marine Natura 2000 sites fisheries control system underpinned are located in and around inshore waters. This means by sustainable fishing practices. ACTION 4 that in some circumstances, fisheries management measures must be specifically designed to take account To avoid overfishing and ensure a sustainable long- It will be essential to maintain a level of the conservation objectives of relevant habitats term seafood industry, fisheries are managed through playing field between the EU and UK and species. A key theme identified in the Irish Inshore the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This includes on issues such as the landing obligation Fisheries Sector Strategy 2019-2023 (task 11) is the setting of annual TACs for most commercial fish changing environmental conditions. Those involved and technical conservation measures stocks from which national quotas are derived. Fishing in the inshore sector require additional information, at maximum sustainable yield and fishing smarter to to ensure the long-term conservation education and training to future proof their businesses avoid juvenile fish or unwanted catches should be of fish stocks and protect the ongoing by mitigating the potential impact of changing followed. sustainability of the Irish fleet. environmental conditions. 76 Seafood activities in or adjacent to protected ACTION 6 areas are subject to Appropriate Assessment and ACTION 9 aquaculture operations are also screened for EIA. Follow the 11 objectives of the new Furthermore, under the Marine Strategy Framework Prioritise the ‘Clean Oceans Initiative’ National Strategic Plan for sustainable Directive (MSFD), EU Member States must achieve in the effort to collect, reduce and reuse Aquaculture (NSPA) development for or maintain Good Environmental Status (GES) in the marine litter. marine environment by 2020. The programme of the period 2021 - 2030 measures to aid in achieving and maintaining good environmental status of the various criteria examined The initiative has seen significant interest by fishing (Administrative procedures, Spatial planning and under the MSFD is important in this regard. Industry trawlers in addressing the serious problem of plastic access to water, Consumer information, Producers stakeholders should continue to work with relevant and marine litter in the ocean. and market organisation, Human and animal health agencies to deliver on the EU Biodiversity Strategy, and welfare, Environmental performance, Climate MSFD, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and the Green change, Innovation, Control of aquaculture products, Deal in the protection of marine ecosystems. ACTION 10 Integration of aquaculture in the local economy and Data and monitoring). The sector should be developed Carry out an assessment of the in a sustainable way, including shellfish aquaculture ACTION 8 potential impacts of climate change and implement the recommendations of the report of for the seafood sector, including issues the Independent Aquaculture Licencing Review Group, Seafood Sustainability Programmes to ensure that feed products for aquaculture are such as the changing distribution should be further developed to provide of fish, rising sea temperatures, the sourced and produced in the most sustainable manner possible. Shellfish plays an important part in improving independent evidence to customers of possibility of exotic species, and the coastal water quality and may also have a part to good practice. industry’s contribution to GHGs. play in climate change mitigation through the carbon sequestration potential for shellfish. The accredited certification programmes provided by BIM together with Fishery Improvement Projects as well as external certifications that have been achieved ACTION 7 provide a strong platform from which to build greater proof of the sustainability and circularity credentials of Realise our outstanding target of 10% Irish seafood, in line with Origin Green. of Marine Protected Areas under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as soon as is practical and aim for 30% of marine protected areas by 2030. 77 CASE STUDY: DRIVING SEAFOOD SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY BIM and the Irish Industry collaborate such as an enlarged 300 mm square-mesh escape Innovative solutions have also been developed and panel in the back (codend) of the trawl significantly implemented in fisheries targeting fish species. closely on a range of technical solutions reduced haddock and whiting catches. Widely adopted Rotating the angle of mesh in the codend by 45 to reduce unwanted catches in these by Irish fishers, it looks likes the benefits for fish stock degrees creates greater mesh openings through fisheries. Introduced under the 2013 sustainability are starting to accrue. In the Irish Sea, which fish can escape. Known as T90 mesh, testing reform of the Common Fisheries Policy for example, haddock landings have increased by 75% of a range of different mesh sizes in this orientation (CFP), the European Union Landing and catches of undersize whiting have dropped by 48% demonstrated positive results with substantially fewer since the gear was introduced. undersize catches and improvements in fish quality for Obligation (LO) aligns existing legislation vessels targeting whiting and haddock. which prohibits high grading and With discard rates as high as 30% in some areas, solutions were also needed for undersize Nephrops. enhances the existing requirements Firstly, the biological and economic implications of to record all catches with additional an increase in the minimum codend mesh size were requirements to retain previously assessed. A 45% reduction in undersize Nephrops and discarded catches. The use of selective associated improved profitability over the course of a fishing season led to a nationally legislated increase in fishing gears reducing the capture of mesh size from 70mm to 80 mm. Secondly, exemptions unwanted catches is also required. from the landing obligation may be permitted where relatively high post-capture species survival in fishing Fully implemented in 2019, this new fisheries gear can be demonstrated. BIM demonstrated a 65% management approach raised challenges for Ireland’s Nephrops survival rate in a trawl using a 300 mm commercially important bottom trawl fisheries for escape panel and the EU granted an exemption to all Dublin Bay prawns (Nephrops) and for fish species such vessels using such environmentally friendly gears in as cod, haddock and whiting. BIM and the Irish Industry Irish waters. This means that any undersize Nephrops collaborated closely on a range of technical solutions to taken aboard can be put back to sea and do not count reduce unwanted catches in these fisheries. against quotas with major biological and economic A relatively high level of fish discarding in the benefits for Irish vessels. Nephrops fishery was identified as a priority early on. Development of a relatively simple gear modification 78 GOAL 6 Embed the Agri-Food Sector in the Circular, Regenerative Bioeconomy 79 A climate smart, environmentally PRIMARY SECTOR • The oceans and seas offer huge potential for cascading use of biomarine resources in the sustainable agri-food sector should bioeconomy. These include: the use of fisheries adopt circular principles, where discards, algal biorefineries, seaweed farming, the appropriate. In such a circular system, ACTION 1 multi-use of marine space in off-shore platforms, production systems are regenerative. Develop new bio-based value chains zero-waste, digitalised and circular aquaculture, Livestock, arable, marine and new products from jellyfish, biodiscovery and new based on Ireland’s comparative advantage pharmaceuticals from marine ecosystems, and horticulture systems in particular should in the production of grass, legumes and carbon sequestration. examine the use and circularity of raw other perennial species. materials from each other’s supply chains and also waste flows from the This should be undertaken, where possible, with the ACTION 2 food industry for re-use in primary participation of local communities, in areas such as: Scale up resource-efficient, circular and production as appropriate. In addition, • The bioeconomy will seek to provide for an low carbon solutions based on principles a circular bioeconomy needs advanced integrated approach to achieve climate neutral farms by reducing GHG emissions and by of renewable energy, cascading and technology and traditional farming increasing farm-based carbon sequestration circular use of sustainable biological knowledge to succeed but strongly relies and storage including by displacing fossil fuel, resources. on biodiversity as its true engine. There mineral based or non-sustainable inputs with are three areas for action: at the primary local renewable, nature-based or biobased input • Examine biorefining, anaerobic digestion and level (natural capital and agriculture, alternatives and by achieving increased resource other technologies, including bioenergy, which can efficiency and value with agricultural outputs such forests and seafood), cross-cutting convert low-value material to higher-value material as grass, crops, forestry and bio-marine resources. and provide for treatment of waste, protection of actions and in the area of food loss & Small scale biorefining e.g. grass, organic matter the environment, and the production of chemical waste and packaging. or reuse of nutrients that also can contribute to building blocks, fuels, power and heating (see also climate mitigation efforts. Goal 1). Cross-sector collaboration and investment, • Timber production, which is currently estimated nationally and internationally, should be pursued to double in the years up to 2035. Potential for the development of circular and climate-neutral exists to develop and test new technologies and industries. environmental solutions for the use of wood- • Industry will take initiatives to advance a circular based materials in the (re)construction and/or business model, e.g. develop microbiome-based retrofitting of buildings as well as more novel and smart protein-based solutions, the recovery opportunities for forest-based and forestry of nutrients, bioactives from food and fibre processing residues. processing to generate biobased materials and energy, thereby mitigating emissions, reducing energy use and increasing energy efficiency. 80 CROSS-CUTTING ACTION 3 Develop a plan for the scaling up of circular bioeconomy approaches a. This should seek to scale up and deploy the bioeconomy locally, capitalising on and going beyond successful research and innovation investments in order to create growth and job opportunities at the local level.,. b. Develop further policy & regulatory coherence, research and innovation agenda setting, enhancing entrepreneurship, innovation, finance and education approaches, to enable a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. ACTION 4 A Knowledge Hub including an Observatory for Biomass Resources should be considered for development, to establish a comprehensive monitoring system to measure and analyse biomass flows and implement comparative sustainability assessments. Such a resource could also interact with industry and aid the development of a bioeconomy network. 81 CASE STUDY: NUTRAMARA Nutramara, based in Tralee, County process pristine seaweed harvests within 12 hours, using novel sustainable technology releasing “closest Kerry, is a leader in the blue bioeconomy, to nature” high potency phytochemical molecules. harnessing the power of biotechnology, The company has developed a biorefinery approach biology, biorefining and the ocean to to processing to ensure 100% of the raw material develop next generation phytochemical seaweed is utilised to create value-added products, ingredients such as alga-fibre, omega meaning zero waste with maximum output. oil, carotenoids and formulations from A team of world-class scientists, PhD students and sustainably harvested, Irish organic Post Doctorates from Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Teagasc Moorepark Technology Limited seaweed. and the BiOrbic Bioeconomy Research Centre work collaboratively within Nutramara to develop The company has developed a robust sustainability scientifically validated high value marine derived plan as part of the Origin Green programme including: ingredients and formulations. Ensuring sustainably sourced raw materials; Becoming zero waste by utilising a novel biorefinery process; Maintaining chemical free processing; Participating in community initiatives and Promoting the benefits of marine ingredients to the general public. The wild, organic seaweed used in the Nutramara supply chain is sustainably hand harvested, meaning re-growth is guaranteed and the delicate seabed and marine life go undisturbed. Nutramara seaweed harvesters sustainably cultivate and harvest seaweeds in optimum growth phases from the Atlantic Ocean and complete primary processing in an organically certified facility. This in-chain collaboration enables Nutramara to 82 FOOD LOSS & WASTE ACTION 6 ACTION 7 AND PACKAGING In line with the commitment in Research the extent of food loss at the An essential part of circular biobased production the Waste Action Plan, work with production (primary) stage in an Irish is putting an end to avoidable waste that occurs stakeholders to develop a National context, and develop innovative ways in various parts of the food chain, from primary Food Waste Prevention Roadmap that of reducing it. production to the waste-bins in kitchens, with the sets out a series of actions to deliver re-use of valuable materials that are unavoidable The research should seek possible synergies in waste. Ireland should set an ambition to be a leader in the reductions necessary to halve our measures to address this food loss, with those aimed tackling food waste and meet the UN SDG target of per capita food waste by 2030, meet at reducing food waste in food processing and in halving per capita food waste by 2030. The recently any other related targets, and promote households and the commercial sector. It should also published Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy our transition to a circular economy. connect with ongoing EPA research projects on data sets outs twenty actions in this area and all agri-food from primary production which will initially inform the stakeholders should work to play their part in the development of innovation approaches. implementation of this plan. All relevant stakeholders in the agri-food sector, as well as retailer, food service and consumer representatives, should participate in this, building on ACTION 8 ACTION 5 the work of the existing National Waste Prevention Programme and related initiatives. Activities within Along with efforts to reduce packaging, The DECC is the lead on food waste the roadmap should include behavioural change and the industry should urgently pursue educational initiatives for trade customers, consumers prevention and the draft Waste Action more sustainable packaging. and businesses, technical support interventions, Plan contains twenty actions many of data gathering research, monitoring and evaluation. which relate to the agri-food sector. An important element will be developing a common Plastic packaging has been identified by the food DAFM will work collaboratively with methodology for measuring and reporting food waste industry as one of its most significant sustainability across food processing companies. As the responsible risks, but it is often necessary for food safety reasons, the DECC in implementing these, and body for reporting food waste statistics, the EPA and in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, for on linking with work already underway has a number of projects ongoing in this area. Origin consumer acceptability. Advances in the bioeconomy, in this area. Green could act as a vehicle for facilitating food particularly recycled polymer and bio-based packaging, industry actions, in close collaboration with the EPA. offer potentially important solutions. Greater Redistribution is a further important element so that collaboration and research between food companies the food waste hierarchy is followed and this can also and others in the supply chain, such as packaging play an important role in dealing with shocks in supply companies, should be encouraged. These collaborative chains due to unforeseen events (e.g. Covid) while research projects can be supported through EI’s additionally offering positive social impacts. programmes including Technology Centres & Gateways and Innovation Partnerships among others. 83 CASE STUDY: MEADE POTATO COMPANY The Meade Potato Company was FoodCloud. While these efforts to channel produce approached by long-time collaborator FoodCloud meant that Meade Farm was a zero-food-waste facility, in 2016 to help them set up a gleaning network incorporated in 1982. From their family they challenged themselves to find higher food value, and were delighted to support them to help reduce farm in Lobinstown, County Meath, alternative markets for it. on-farm crop loss. Gleaning is where produce left Meade Farm have now been growing, behind in the field is picked up and distributed to • Identifying a gap in the foodservice/catering market packing and distributing premium quality for premium quality peeled and chipped potatoes those in need. potatoes, fruit, vegetables, salads and saw Meade Farm invest in a peeling line. This organics over the past five decades. enterprise utilised Class 1 produce as well as some potatoes that had initially been graded as surplus They have turned a sole trading potato business into to requirements. This business has thrived, now Meade Farm Group, an award-winning agribusiness necessitating an expansion to two lines. Meade that offers Irish consumers a range of sustainable, Farm now sells IFQA award-winning branded quality produce. They have grown from a single peeled/chipped potatoes to retailers. packing store to an agricultural enterprise with • The by-product from the peeling process was separate divisions for Potatoes, Fruit & Veg, Prepared initially fed to beef cattle, as was all surplus Foods, and Starch, each housing numerous state of the potatoes. However, the installation and subsequent art production lines - all of which serve to make the recent upgrade of a starch extractor can now use journey from farm to fork as efficient as possible. all these potatoes to provide food grade starch Sustainability has guided the expansion all along the that can be sold on the open market from Ireland’s way, so the skyline now includes a wind turbine, solar only indigenous starch ingredient, or used in other panels and water harvesting storage tanks. While complementary products. the majority of the produce is Class 1, there is always • On-farm crop loss is another area where Meade a portion of every crop that is either left behind in Farm found better alternatives. For many years, the field or outside of the specification. Their entire the crops that fell through the harvester were left surplus to requirements produce previously went in the field to be used as fertiliser for the next crop, for stock feed and to community food banks like usually of grass or spring barley. Meade Farm were 84 GOAL 7 Strengthen and Invest in Origin Green and Other Sustainability Supports to Reflect the Higher Level of Ambition for the Agri-Food Sector 85 Origin Green has been instrumental in The following actions are required: ACTION 3 monitoring and driving improvements in environmental sustainability and ACTION 1 The metrics and evidence base from demonstrating this to trade customers Origin Green need to be improved. A and consumers both at home and Promote and encourage participation framework for delivering this involves abroad. Origin Green now needs to in the new Origin Green Gold building on Origin Green participant require a higher level of ambition from Membership, thus working towards companies performance and metrics on participants to achieve ‘stretch targets’. higher levels of ambition. sustainability and the associated quality Ireland’s agri-food sector needs to assurance programmes at farm level. With the introduction of the Origin Green credits demonstrate validated performance system in early 2020, Bord Bia now distinguishes food around producing food with a low company members which are excelling in sustainability Improvements should enhance how information environmental footprint and Origin performance in a particular year. It has enabled a new is gathered, analysed and shared, both with participants (primary producers and processors) to Green, with its 53,000 farms and 324 level of membership, ‘Origin Green Gold Membership’. drive engagement, and the market to provide proof companies, has a critical role to play of sustainably produced food and drink. Bord Bia, in demonstrating this performance. DAFM and other State agencies will collaborate and ACTION 2 New and emerging technologies for share information to enhance the farm sustainability data collection and data analytics and quality assurance programmes (incorporating Emissions targets: there is a need for recommendations from the Sign Post Farms where will be a vital element in this. The an enhanced focus on mandatory and appropriate), with toolkits and supports which are financial supports available through ambitious emissions reduction targets robust and easy to use at farm level, particularly both the SEAI and Enterprise Ireland to within the Origin Green programme in measuring carbon emissions, utilising the latest incentivise investment in environmental technologies available. Bord Bia will also develop and additional guidance provided to tools for supporting companies to drive sustainability projects within manufacturing facilities companies on mapping their net zero improvements such as learning modules, guidance have been essential tools enabling pathways. Sector targets and pledges documents and feedback reports. Metrics need to be companies across the Agri-Food should also be explored. market relevant and able to stand up to independent, sector to undertake investments in critical scrutiny. Primary producers need to see and understand a benefit from Origin Green membership, environmental sustainability. for example through improved information on their own environmental performance, policy supports and market positioning of their products. 86 ACTION 4 ACTION 5 ACTION 7 Develop closer links to AKIS. Further explore the health and Communicate credible, market relevant sustainability benefits of grass-based environmental and social sustainability On-farm assessments constitute a key component food. credentials to trade customers and of the Origin Green programme with sustainability consumers in both national and assessments rolled out at farm level through Bord Bia’s Bord Bia will build on the recently agreed grass-fed international markets. Sustainable Assurance Schemes. This now needs to standards for dairy and beef. Ireland has a strong also help deliver the Ag Climatise roadmap. Drawing reputation on the international stage as a producer of on the respective strengths of both agencies, Bord sustainable grass-fed livestock-based products. This More efforts are required to improve the ability Bia and Teagasc will collaborate on using the data and should tie in with research organisations exploring the of sales and marketing teams to understand and findings from Bord Bia audits, along with the research health benefits of grass-based foods. communicate the benefits of sustainability when and advisory expertise in Teagasc, in conjunction making claims in the marketplace. There is training with the findings of the SignPost Farm Programme, and advice available to Origin Green members from and engaging proactively with private agricultural Bord Bia in this regard, to support companies to ACTION 6 advisory and extension services to develop Farm differentiate and realise the commercial benefit in the Sustainability Plans with the aim of developing a global marketplace. Encourage companies and farmers that virtuous cycle of on-farm sustainability improvement. are not already signed up to Origin This will also involve increasing the practical application of Farmer Feedback Reports by farmers Green to urgently get on board. ACTION 8 and advisors. Communicating sustainability messages in a coordinated and clear manner to farmers will be The agri-food industry needs to incorporate Establish thought leadership and a key element of this partnership. Improved linkages sustainability into its business strategies and corporate market insight platforms to contribute between knowledge exchange, advisory services & governance frameworks. The EU Farm to Fork Strategy to, and better understand, evolving sustainability assessments would also lead to the indicates an intention by the Commission to require development of cooperation activities between farms the food industry to integrate sustainability into food sustainability developments in the led by innovation brokers such as advisors to manage corporate governance strategies so it will be important marketplace. natural resources such as biodiversity, water, soils to be ahead of this initiative. In this regard, Origin and air. Green membership offers extensive support and Origin Green should incorporate additional forums advice and the most comprehensive, joined-up vehicle to shape the discourse on emerging food and drink for a company to address these issues. Furthermore, a sustainability topics and support the evolution concerted effort should be made to encourage farmers of food sustainability in Ireland via the Origin who are not involved in the farm assurance schemes Green programme. This should include business to join. leaders, sustainability and agricultural experts and intergovernmental organisations and NGOs focused on a common goal. 87 ACTION 9 Drive industry engagement with SEAI programmes such as the recently updated Exeed Grant Scheme and the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme to support companies to meet their energy saving targets. ACTION 10 Increase focus on awareness building of sustainability supports among Enterprise Ireland’s Food & Drinks clients. Enterprise Ireland’s suite of environmental supports, including the new Green Enterprise Fund, can support companies to ensure they scale and grow their businesses sustainably. Enterprise Ireland, working in tandem with colleagues in SEAI, Bord Bia, and other relevant Government Agencies and Departments, will support companies across the stages of the investment journey to achieve reduction in carbon emissions. 88 BOX 4: ORIGIN GREEN Developed in 2012, Origin Green is the Despite the progress made, the environmental challenges and market requirements are mounting Bord Bia food and drink sustainability and Origin Green must continue to evolve to provide programme that drives sustainability customers globally with the sustainability assurance improvements across the entire supply they are looking for from their food producers and chain on a national level. suppliers. Origin Green collaborates with over 54,000 farms and 300 leading Irish food and drink companies to prove and improve sustainability; it is about measuring and improving on an ongoing basis. Independent accreditation and verification are built into every stage of the supply chain. On-farm assessments constitute a key component of the Origin Green programme, which see more than 100 auditors undertake over 650 independent farm audits each week. Under the programme, over 300,000 carbon assessments have taken place on beef and dairy farms over a five-year period. At the manufacturing level, participating companies commit to developing a multiannual sustainability plan that outlines robust, measurable targets in three key areas: raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and social sustainability. To date, member companies have set over 2,400 sustainability targets, delivering tangible results such as an 11% reduction in energy use per unit of output and a 17% reduction in water use per unit of output. 89 MISSION 2 Viable & Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Wellbeing 90 Primary producers – farmers, fishers and forest owners – are fundamental to this Strategy and are the foundation of the entire sector. Primary producers’ economic viability is crucial not only in terms of their ability to make a decent livelihood and return for their endeavours, but also in helping to deliver on environmental and social sustainability. Very often, their incomes are volatile from year to year and at a low level for some enterprises. Primary producers are subject to the vagaries of the market and are very often price takers. With that in mind, this Mission focuses on the areas which offer the best tools for improving economic viability and resilience, areas that are within the control of primary producers themselves but also policies, approaches and technologies that they and others in the agri- food chain can implement to improve their overall economic standing. Farmers can bolster their financial and economic systems offers the best approach towards achieving Negotiations on the new Common Agriculture Policy sustainability by embracing new, diversified systems all forms of sustainability and one should not be (CAP) are ongoing and the CAP Strategic Plan will of agriculture, meeting standards required for greater considered better than the other. provide in excess of €12 billion in funding to farmers premiumisation that can offer higher market returns and rural communities in the period from 2021 to The social sustainability of primary producers is all and being rewarded for the delivery of a range of 2027. Ireland has been consistent on the need for a too often an over-looked dimension. This Mission eco-system services. Future income sources may not strong CAP and has also stressed the need to ensure aims to correct that by identifying a number of areas be the same as those of today; they could range from better environmental and climate outcomes for where social factors such as generational renewal, the market to payment for carbon sequestration and the CAP. Central to environmental ambitions is the gender balance, education and training, health and storage, microgeneration of energy, and delivery of a protection of farm incomes and a just and inclusive safety, mental health and wellbeing and broader rural variety of eco-system services. Fishers can continue transition. development can be improved on. Primary producers on a path of sustainable economic development are the lifeblood of rural and coastal communities The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is reviewed by managing the utilisation of sea-fisheries and and their social sustainability therefore has to be a every 10 years and the next review is scheduled aquaculture, and expanding and investing in priority for all concerned. This mission also calls for to be completed by end 2022 when the European technology to develop the industry and improve greater recognition, respect and support for primary Commission will report to the European Parliament productivity. This Mission also envisages there being producers for their key societal role in addressing our and the Council on the functioning of the CFP. When a place in Ireland’s agri-food sector for all types of climate and biodiversity emergency. the report has been presented, if any changes are primary producer whether full time or part time, big required, the Commission will bring forward a proposal or small. A diversity of farming, fishing and forestry for an amendment of the CFP Regulation. 91 Ireland will be seeking that the upcoming review of are committed to the policy direction, detailed the CFP must address the disproportionate impact on assessments will need to take place as these policies the Irish fishing industry by Brexit. The Seafood sector are being finalised. Consideration will be needed as will continue on a path of sustainable economic and to where the burden of these costs will lie, with the environmental development by carefully managing primary producer, food distributors or processors, the utilisation of sea-fisheries and aquaculture. The retail, food service, consumers or public funds. It is new EU-UK Cooperation and Trade Agreement clear that primary producers alone cannot be expected (TCA) will have a particularly significant impact on to bear this cost. the sector. A Seafood Sector Taskforce has been established to examine the implications arising from the TCA for the sector and the coastal communities who depend on it. The Task force, involving seafood industry representatives and other stakeholders, will make recommendations on measures to mitigate the impacts of the fish quota share reductions, on the Irish fishing industry and on the coastal communities that depend on fisheries. In its interim report, the Taskforce recommends that a voluntary tie-up scheme be put in place for the period September to December for polyvalent vessels and beam trawlers directly impacted by the quota transfers under the TCA. The interim report also recommends a range of initiatives to address the quota reductions in the TCA. These recommended actions will be considered further by the Taskforce and will be set down in detail in the Taskforce’s main report. The European Green Deal, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Strategies, as well as higher health and environmental ambition in the Farm to Fork Strategy that will be reflected in the next common agricultural and fisheries policies, will have consequences for primary producers across the EU. Coupled with national policy developments, higher standards and constraints across a range of indicators will add to the cost of production. While all stakeholders 92 Goal 1 Improve the Competitiveness and Productivity of Primary Producers MISSION 2 Viable and Resilient Goal 2 Goal 4 Improve the Social Primary Producers, Improve the Creation and Equitable Sustainability of Primary Producers with Enhanced Distribution of Value Well-Being Goal 3 Increase Primary Producer Diversification & Resilience 93 GOAL 1 Improve the Competitiveness and Productivity of Primary Producers 94 Considering the wide variation in ACTION 2 ACTION 5 productivity and performance and the associated challenges and opportunities Address societal concerns of relevance Continue measurable improvements in facing primary producers across the to the sector’s reputation, animal health and welfare. agri-food sector, a range of actions are recommended for each of the sub- for example through measurable commitments to This has benefits both in terms of reputation and sectors, as follows: high standards of animal welfare and anti-microbial economic and climate efficiency. stewardship. DAIRY ACTION 6 ACTION 3 Dairy farming offers the highest return per hectare Address labour issues facing the compared to other farm enterprises, and has Under the auspices of the 2030 process, expanded significantly in the last decade, improving sector, including implementation of the the economic and social sustainability of many farm produce a detailed plan by Q2 2022 to ‘People in Dairy Action Plan’. families and rural areas. However, there is an urgent manage the sustainable environmental need to address the negative environmental impacts footprint of the dairy sector, associated with dairy expansion, and to address other societal concerns, in order to maintain the sector’s including minimising total emissions, while making a ACTION 7 reputation, profitability and sustainability in all its positive contribution to improved water quality and forms. biodiversity, in line with government policy. Further Explore potential for the development details are included in Mission 1, Goal 1. of specific volatility and risk management measures, within both ACTION 1 the private and public sector. ACTION 4 Promote greater integration of the dairy and beef sectors, especially in Continue progress on genetics, relation to the production of beef including genomic breeding strategies coming from the dairy sector, focused on animal health and welfare, production efficiency and methane to ensure that there is a market outlet for male calves efficiency, and market suitability of all from the dairy herd, and to provide an alternative off-spring, including sexed-semen. business option for beef farmers. 95 ACTION 8 Continue the move to higher-quality, value-added dairy produce, positioning Irish dairy as a premium grass-fed product with strong environmental credentials. Opportunities exist to grow and develop new markets. The benefits arising should accrue proportionately to primary producers. ACTION 9 Build a strategy for the development of new markets for Irish organic dairy products and encourage participation at farm level. ACTION 10 Continue to work in collaboration across the sector. The stakeholders will continue to meet and to engage strategically on all the key issues above in various fora, including the Dairy Forum and Dairy Sustainability Ireland. 96 BEEF & SHEEP ACTION 13 ACTION 16 Beef and sheep farming account for the majority of farm enterprises and contribute significantly to social Develop and support dairy calf-to-beef Continue improvements in pasture and economic sustainability of rural areas. Most systems. management: are heavily reliant on direct payment supports and economic viability is very often challenging. While These have a number of advantages, including providing key areas for progress include soil fertility and the many farms operate extensive grazing systems, there an alternative income stream for beef farmers; earlier promotion of better pasture management, including is potential for improvement in productivity and maturing; and significant potential to increase genetic reducing chemical nitrogen use, increasing clover and competitiveness, while also addressing environmental potential through the dairy-beef index. multi-species swards and use of PastureBase Ireland. impacts. ACTION 14 ACTION 17 ACTION 11 Under the auspices of the 2030 process, Continue measurable improvements Recognise the suckler herd as a key produce a detailed plan by Q2 2022 to in animal health and welfare. This has asset to Irish agriculture and agree an manage the sustainable environmental benefits both in terms of reputation approach to its development, footprint of the beef sector, and economic and climate efficiency. including addressing productivity and efficiency including minimising total emissions, while making a challenges, taking into consideration environmental positive contribution to improved water quality and and other factors. ACTION 18 biodiversity, in line with government policy. Further details are included in Mission 1, Goal 1. Increase targeting of farm income ACTION 12 supports to environmental, economic ACTION 15 and social sustainability. Promote Irish Grass-Fed beef and lamb as premium products, nationally and Continue to drive improvements in Extensive farming practices can contribute to internationally. breeding strategies for cattle and sheep, economic sustainability and the social and cumulative economic value of small-scale beef and sheep farming should also be recognised and valued. Increased farmer participation in the Beef and Lamb focused in particular on genomics programmes which Quality Assurance Scheme is important in pursuing contribute to improved environmental and economic this premium market position. Opportunities also efficiency, and improved animal health and animal exist to grow and develop new markets, including for welfare. organic lamb and beef. 97 ACTION 19 CASE STUDY: Continue to work in collaboration DAIRY CALF TO BEEF SYSTEMS across the sector. The stakeholders will continue to meet and to engage The Irish agri-food industry prides itself on being strategically on the key issues facing a pioneer in sustainability. Since the removal of the sector, as currently with the EU milk quotas there has been an ever-increasing Beef Taskforce for example. number of dairy and beef crossed calves coming from the Irish dairy herd. Recent research at Teagasc indicates that the profitability of beef farmers can be increased through the adoption of grass-fed dairy calf-to-beef systems. A new Integrated Dairy Beef Demonstration Farm will be established to demonstrate key technologies in relation to grazing management, calf rearing and the use of high Dairy Beef Index sires as well as farm financial performance. This will be used as a benchmark for practicing dairy calf-to-beef farmers. It is anticipated that this farm will be set up in association with a dairy and beef processor as well as a social media partner that will disseminate information from this farm to the wider beef farming community. The demonstration farm will be complemented by a National Dairy Calf to Beef Campaign to promote the adoption of best practices at farm level to increase the future sustainability of the Irish beef sector. The key technologies include grazing management, calf rearing and use of appropriate dairy beef genetics. 98 PIGMEAT & POULTRY ACTION 22 ACTION 25 There are a small number of pigmeat and poultry producers, in a mainly intensive and commercially- Address specific environmental targets Develop targeted supports and advice driven sector. Key challenges include improving and actions for the sector, to these specialised sectors. animal health and welfare, improving productivity and competitiveness, and addressing overall environmental encompassing GHG emissions reductions, including footprint across GHGs, ammonia and water quality ammonia, and better energy efficiency, including renewables. Explore bioeconomy opportunities e.g. for ACTION 26 in particular. Stakeholders will continue to work collaboratively across the sectors to: the use of pig manure. Examine measures to improve financial and operational risk management. ACTION 20 ACTION 23 Develop the sector both in terms Address wider societal concerns such of domestic market share for Irish- as animal welfare, anti-microbial produced product and new export stewardship and food safety risks; markets. for example by building on progress to date in tackling campylobacter in Developing the domestic market should include poultry, and salmonella in pigmeat. increased marketing & promotion activities and examining the issue of labelling. ACTION 24 ACTION 21 Develop measures to improve Continue to improve productivity in biosecurity, verify animal health and terms of breeding and feed input. welfare standards and best practice, including through Bord Bia QA Scheme. 99 The tillage and horticulture sectors are pursuing these areas of potential growth, it will The increasing loss of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) be important to avoid conversion of extensive or is also a significant challenge and this will continue. the most carbon efficient sectors of Irish biodiversity rich permanent pasture, unless it can be Precision breeding techniques, if legislation permits, agriculture and it is important that the demonstrated to be not damaging to biodiversity, soil, as well as developing pest management (or “Integrated area under cultivation in these sectors water, climate and other environmental parameters. Pest Management”) approaches will be required to is at least retained, with an ambition to minimise the impact. increase both. ACTION 28 ACTION 30 TILLAGE Continue the focus on soil management Stakeholders will consider aligning the including nutrient use efficiency and The tillage sector provides high quality grain to Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (IGAS) the animal feed industry and straw for feeding and soil quality. bedding, while also making a significant contribution with Origin Green. to the food and drinks sectors in the form of malting A focus on the basics by adopting agronomic practices barley, milling wheat and oats for the breakfast that optimise soil pH, soil structure, and soil organic cereals industry. While second to dairy in terms of matter. Encourage greater nutrient integration with ACTION 31 economic viability at farm level, costs are high and other sectors through the use of organic manure in there is room to improve competitiveness, efficiency, addition to a greater emphasis on cover crops and Investment in precision and other and to take advantage of new and emerging market other initiatives to reduce soil erosion and nutrient technologies will be required opportunities, while also contributing to reducing loss. Implementation of this action should seek to synchronise with the objectives of action 5 in Goal 3 within the sector as they are both overall environmental footprint particularly in relation to water quality and improving biodiversity. of Mission 1 (the National Soil Sampling and Analysis environmentally and economically Programme and developing a National Soil Strategy). sustainable. ACTION 27 The sector has traditionally been one of the leading ACTION 29 adopters of new technology and this is envisaged to Stakeholders will work to develop the continue. sector to take advantage of potential Research should continue in the effort growth in: of developing effective Integrated Pesticide Management techniques. This 1) high value output (malting barley, wheat, oats is a constant challenge for researchers and rye) to distilling and brewing; 2) high value food as crop pathogens and pests continue markets such as oats (particularly organic oats), oils to evolve and circumvent both genetic and salad & chipping potatoes; 3) meeting domestic protein crop demand for livestock diets. When resistance and pesticide efficacy. 100 CASE STUDY: UPROTEIN - UNLOCKING PROTEIN RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES TO EVOLVE IRELAND’S NUTRITION The UPROTEIN (Unlocking Protein create a diverse agri-ecosystem with a lower carbon footprint. This in turn has the potential to accelerate Resource Opportunities To Evolve Ireland’s path to becoming a global leader in the Ireland’s Nutrition) research project is responsible supply of safe, nutritious and healthy focused on the sustainable development food solutions and develop the next generation of and exploitation of existing and novel smart protein foods which are cost effective, resource protein resources within the Irish agro- efficient, and nutritious. Proteins will be extracted from plants and these smart proteins will be used to ecological system. create ingredients and products which are nutritious, trusted, environmentally friendly, and part of a The potential of crop (grassland, cereals, legume, secure and future-proofed supply chain. UPROTEIN oilseed and niche crops) and marine resources will be is coordinated by Teagasc and collaborators include examined as alternative protein sources, with post- University College Cork, Queens University Belfast, processing biomass used to generate value added National Universities of Ireland Galway and Maynooth, food and non-food streams, delivering circularity and University of Limerick. throughout the production system. UPROTEIN as a new food enterprise will co-exist with the Dairy, Meat and Cereal sectors. The project will leverage established nutritional and technological expertise to study alternative protein sources, selected on the basis of environmental, social and economic sustainability within the supply chain. It will generate protein resource opportunities for Ireland, to 101 HORTICULTURE climate neutrality. The strategy should also: i. Formalise specific environmental targets While occupying less than 1% of total land, and actions for the sector, encompassing the horticulture contains a diverse range of sectors, such maximisation of carbon sequestration. as mushrooms, potatoes, field vegetables, protected fruit, protected vegetables, outdoor fruit, and amenity ii. Continue to address labour issues, including better crops such as nursery stock, protected crops including use of automation technology and development bedding plants, cut foliage, outdoor foliage and and training opportunities for workers in the sector. bulbs, Christmas trees and turf grass. An expanded iii. Promote and enhance collaboration within horticulture sector would make a valuable contribution the sector through the producer organisation to the Missions in this Strategy, particularly in realizing structure and with research providers. Given a climate-neutral sector by 2050. From carbon the fall in grower numbers and the increasingly sequestration to enhancing biodiversity such as competitive nature of retail markets, growers need pollinators, horticultural systems offer many synergies to engage in greater collaboration to exploit market and co-benefits between environmental, economic and opportunities, combat the current structural social sustainability. However, the scale required, high control of the multiples and to meet the challenges start up costs, labour shortages and retail pressures and opportunities posed by UK exit. pose challenges for the sector, but with a significant trade deficit and changing consumer trends, there are iv. Identify market opportunities including opportunities for import substitution. a. focusing on the significant potential for import substitution b. working with the health industry to promote the ACTION 32 physical and mental health dividends that would accrue from increased consumption of fruit and Develop a strategy to set out the road vegetables map for the horticulture industry to 2030, c. product innovation taking advantage of the growing demand for fruit and d. small-scale market garden type horticultural vegetables, whole-foods and amenity; to increase enterprises (both organic and conventional), production and consumption of Irish produce on supplying Farmers’ Markets, restaurants and the domestic market and, where possible, to take other local food initiatives, for example advantage of expanding opportunities internationally. v. Identify the required areas and resources for The Strategy should seek to carry forward the further research and development in order to environment and sustainability focus of the Agri-Food enable innovation, technology adaptation, strategic 2030 Strategy, particularly around the key themes of development, new product development and emission reduction, restoration of biodiversity and alternative growing media. 102 FORESTRY SEAFOOD 2020 prices. The effects are immediate, with 60% of those transfers to take effect from April. The cost of Accounting for around 11% of the total land area, The national fishing fleet is made up of a diverse group the final quota transfer by Ireland will amount to 15% significant potential exists to grow the area and of primary producers that includes small inshore loss of the overall value The Task Force will examine make a very significant contribution to improving vessels, along with medium and large offshore vessels. the implications arising from the EU/UK TCA for the Irish environment, particularly through carbon Aquaculture, comprising of finfish and shellfish primary the Irish Fishing industry and coastal communities sequestration and storage, while also acting as a productions, produce products that are highly valued particularly dependent upon it. It will, in particular, supplementary income stream for farmers. The sector in the marketplace and provide high value, year-round, outline initiatives that could be taken to provide is faced with a number of challenges, particularly jobs along the coast. The sector overall is challenged supports for development and restructuring so as to around licensing, which are being considered in by the departure of the UK from the EU and the ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing fleet and to ‘Project Woodland’. associated EU-UK Cooperation and Trade Agreement, identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity while also faced with a number of environmental in coastal communities dependent on fishing. The sustainability issues. Taskforce will consider the extent to which all available ACTION 33 funding streams could be used to address, to the extent possible, the initiatives identified and the State Develop a new Forestry Strategy for ACTION 34 agencies to support those initiatives. The Task Force Ireland (see also Goal 4, Mission 1), will also consider and recommend constructive actions including new approaches to improving The Minister for Agriculture, Food and that would help to alleviate the inequitable relative the Marine has set up a Seafood Sector contribution of quota share by Ireland in the EU/UK the overall perception of tree planting TCA. In its interim report, published in June 2021, the on farms. Taskforce involving seafood industry Taskforce recommends that a voluntary tie-up scheme representatives and other stakeholders be put in place for the period September to December to provide recommendations on the for the approximately 220 polyvalent vessels and appropriate measures that will best beam trawlers directly impacted by the quota transfers under the TCA. The interim report also recommends support the sector and the local coastal a range of initiatives to address to address the quota communities. reductions in the TCA. These recommended actions will be considered further by the Taskforce and will be The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) set down in detail in the Taskforce’s main report. became applicable from 1 January 2021 as the UK officially exited the transition period. Quota transfers will begin in 2021 and on a phased basis will result in a transfer by Ireland of stocks worth €26 million in 2021 rising to €43 million by 2026 and each year after that. In proportionate terms this means that 15% of Ireland’s quotas will be transferred based on 103 highlights the need for efficient and co-ordinated ACTION 35 management to avoid conflict and to identify, where possible, synergies both within and between. The Seafood sector will continue Ireland’s future Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) will also on a path of sustainable economic impact on the inshore sector. and environmental development by • Improve economic capability through training carefully managing the utilisation of and broadening technical and business acumen of sea-fisheries and aquaculture, including: primary producers. • Attract global investment in aquaculture • Expand and invest in fishing operations and gear technology. Promote Ireland as a knowledge base technology to develop the industry and improve for aquaculture technology and research to attract productivity. investment on our knowledge base. • Manage non-quota stock particularly in the inshore The sector has a significant number of specific national sector to deliver maximum sustainable yield. policies and strategies, including the EU Common Fisheries Policy, the National Strategic Plan for • Streamline the administrative procedure in the Sustainable Aquaculture Development, the Inshore National Strategic Plan for sustainable aquaculture Fisheries Sector Strategy, amongst others. development. The aquaculture licensing system needs to be adaptive to technology advances and local environmental conditions during the lifetime of the licences and at renewal. These issues need to be addressed through legislative change to maximise market demand and growth in the Aquaculture sector. • Encourage investment in seafood communities to allow for growth and long term economic and social sustainability. This will support a vibrant and growing local seafood sector and the economic and demographic health of rural coastal communities. • The competition for space for inshore fisheries is greater than ever. Space within the marine sector is required by fisheries and aquaculture, but also in demand for shipping, marine leisure and, more recently, renewable energy. The increased level and diversity of activity in the marine space 104 105 GOAL 2 Improve the Creation and Equitable Distribution of Value 106 Global value chains (GVCs) have fundamental question for the food system and agri- For seafood, Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 food policy. establishes a Community system to prevent, deter and changed the nature of production eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and specialisation around the world, Six areas have been identified for improving the (IUU fishing) to avoid unfair competition in the seafood creation and equitable distribution of value (note, including in agriculture and food. The market. This Regulation defines specific control and Goal 4 in Mission 3 outlines actions for developing agri-food chain is highly competitive market opportunities and should be considered as also monitoring measures that aim to deter IUU fishing and with generally low profit margins. More prevent seafood caught illegally and unsustainably delivering on this present Goal): from being unfairly traded on the European market, market and price transparency can assist ensuring fishermen abiding by the rules are not in strengthening bargaining power of 1) THE UNFAIR TRADING disadvantaged. primary producers, alongside regulation to ensure fair trading practices. There PRACTICE DIRECTIVE are also management practices within The EU Directive on Unfair Trading Practices in ACTION 1 business to business relationships in the agricultural the farm gate such as quality assurance and food supply chain (known as the UTP Directive) Ensure that the UTP Directive is schemes or systems for producing is one element of a three-pronged approach by the transposed in Ireland and the office products with particular characteristics EU Commission in its work towards a fairer and more of the National Food Ombudsman (e.g. organic) that can add value, as can balanced food supply chain and improving primary (or equivalent) is established, with producers position in that chain. The other elements relationships within agri-food supply appropriate powers. are: chains, at and beyond the farm gate (e.g. • The simplification of the rules of producer/farmer Producer Organisations, greater use of supply contracts). There is a low level of co-operation 2) MARKET AND PRICE Producer Organisations (POs) in Ireland • The improvement of market transparency through the introduction of increased mandatory price TRANSPARENCY and a general underutilisation of EU reporting The European Commission has introduced a number quality labelling, particularly Protected These will be critically important in protecting and of measures to improve the dissemination of agri- Geographical Indications. Therefore, food market information, analysis and forecasts, enhancing the place of primary producers in the including EU agriculture dashboards and EU market there is scope to improve the farmers’ value chain. The Department of Agriculture, Food observatories. Additional mandatory price reporting position in the value chain through these and the Marine has transposed the directive into will take place from 2021. In Ireland, greater national legislation, and is progressing delivery of the tools in particular. price transparency is being supported through Programme for Government commitment to establish the development of initiatives such as the “Beef In the longer-term, the extent to which the market a new office of a National Food Ombudsman (or Pricewatch” and detailed weekly price reporting, provides a return for the primary producer, especially equivalent), which will require primary legislation. helping to reduce information asymmetry at primary for high-standard, high quality produce, is a 107 producer level. Bord Bia has recently developed a new co-operative structure of the Irish dairy sector has beef market price index model. Further initiatives in ensured that it has developed a significant degree ACTION 3 this regard will be considered by the Beef Taskforce. of vertical integration with its farmer members The European Market Observatory for fisheries and including the provision of financial, advisory and Support the establishment of co- aquaculture (EUMOFA) is a market intelligence tool on technical supports. Producer organisations play an operatives and Producer Organisations the European Union fisheries and aquaculture sector, important role in horticulture, but there are currently across all sectors of farming and developed by the European Commission. It aims to no recognised producer organisations for the arable increase market transparency and efficiency, analyses crops sector and only two in the beef sectors. By enhance the role of the fishery producer EU market dynamics, and supports business decisions comparison, the EU has approximately 178 POs in organisations co-operatives. and policy-making. the beef and veal sector. This leaves those primary producers more exposed to being price takers. ACTION 2 Cooperatives and registered POs can benefit from exemptions from EU competition rules for certain 4) ORIGIN GREEN / activities, such as collective negotiations on behalf QUALITY ASSURANCE Ireland will engage fully with the Commission work and continue to of their members, planning of production or for certain supply management measures. DAFM is (QA) SCHEMES actively engaging with potential groups to support the Quality Assurance plays a fundamental role in develop national initiatives on market establishment of beef producer organisations and co- promoting food and securing a premium position in the and price transparency. operatives in addition to providing financial support for market. Bord Bia operates a number of independently their establishment. Fishery and Aquaculture Producer accredited QA schemes, including beef, lamb, dairy, Organisations are a cornerstone of the Common pigmeat, poultry, eggs, feed, fresh produce, and 3) CO-OPERATIVES Fisheries Policy (CFP), in achieving its objectives of ensuring that fishing and aquaculture activities are ornamental plant producers. While maintaining their core focus on quality, QA schemes also have a strong & PRODUCER environmentally sustainable. These are managed focus on sustainability and are particularly important ORGANISATIONS (POs) in a way that is consistent with the objectives of achieving long-term economic, social and employment in providing customers of Irish food with proven credentials all along the supply chain. Furthermore, The co-operative structure is well established in benefits, and of contributing to the availability of food QA schemes provide an opportunity for customers to the Irish dairy sector and key farm & rural-based supplies. In Ireland there are five Fishery POs and one reward or incentivise the primary producer through services. While the co-operative structure is well Aquaculture PO which must develop and implement for example, paying bonuses for QA membership, or established in livestock marketing, there are currently Production and Marketing Plans in accordance to insist on membership as a prerequisite for supply. no co-operatives established in beef processing in with the Common Marketing Organisation (CMO) In relation to seafood the national certification Ireland. Co-operatives are autonomous enterprises, regulation. It is important that their role is further schemes administered by BIM (i.e. Certified Quality democratically owned and controlled by its user developed and enhanced and fully supported by the EU Aquaculture (CQA) Standard), participation in Fishery members that operate for the benefit of its user and State. Improvement Projects (FIPS) for key species, as well as members. Co-operatives can significantly strengthen external certification such as MSC, gives Irish Seafood the producers’ position in the supply chain. The a high level of quality assurance. BIM Certified Quality 108 Aquaculture standards have achieved benchmarking against the Global Seafood Sustainability Initiative 5) CONTRACTUAL 6) CERTIFICATION, requirements. Organic certification along with the MSC certification for both rope and bottom ARRANGEMENTS ACCREDITATION grown mussels are used by the aquaculture sector Forward contracts are a relatively new development AND GEOGRAPHICAL in Irish agriculture. The tillage sector has made use of to demonstrate their sustainability credentials and salmon are exclusively produced to the EU Organic them for malting barley, while the dairy industry has INDICATORS Certification Standard. There should be investigation made good progress in making fixed price contracts a The Geographical Indicators (GI) ‘Protected into the feasibility of Global Sustainable Seafood feature of the producer/processor relationship. Such Designation of Origin’ (PDO), ‘Protected Geographical Initiative (GSSI) for certain fisheries. contracts are less common in the other sectors. In the Indicators’ (PGI) and ‘Traditional Specialities beef sector, a recent initiative involving guaranteed- Guaranteed’ (TSG) are important EU Quality Schemes Providing independently verified evidence of quality pricing model with various bonuses may be a prototype designed to identify and protect the names of quality gains on farm and fisheries maintains high standards for primary producers. There are a range of contractual EU agricultural products and foods and confer of quality in production, as well as bolstering Ireland’s arrangements utilised in the fishing industry such as added value. EU research has confirmed consumers reputation in international markets. direct selling, a varying range of contracts both direct are willing to pay a higher price for GI foods which and indirect, sales organisations and auction hall sales. are unique and differentiated from non-GI food. The fishing industry would benefit from a review of ACTION 4 In comparison to many other European countries, these arrangements to ascertain if improvements in Ireland has relatively few (seven) of these designations All farmers and seafood operators the first sale price can be achieved for the different whereas Italy has almost 300 product types registered. fleets segments. Products sold under GIs are estimated to represent will participate in a quality assurance around 5.7% of EU food and drink production and scheme where possible. 15% of EU food and drink exports. There is market ACTION 6 demand for livestock products that are ‘grass-fed’ and Sectoral stakeholder groups will consider how to which live up to high standards of animal welfare and address barriers to entry and increase participation. Promote and develop contractual sustainability, which consumers associate with quality, arrangements to bring more production natural and welfare friendly production systems. Most and price certainty to primary producers. Irish livestock output is grass-fed. The sector, through ACTION 5 Bord Bia, has been progressing certification and branding. BIM Certified Quality Aquaculture standards Quality assurance schemes will be have achieved benchmarking against the Global continuously reviewed and updated ACTION 7 Seafood Sustainability Initiative requirements. Organic to ensure they are in line with certification along with the MSC certification for The fishing industry should explore enhanced expectations in areas such both rope and bottom grown mussels are used by the these arrangements to ascertain if aquaculture sector to demonstrate their sustainability as environmental performance, food improvements in the first sale price can be credentials. Salmon is exclusively produced to the EU safety standards, the animal health and Organic Certification Standard, one of the few Irish achieved for the different fleet segments. welfare sustainability credentials of food products to have reached this scale in organic seafood and market requirements. production. GI status has proved important to Irish 109 spirits categories, particularly in protecting from unfair competition from infringing products in export markets. For example, with substantial funding from industry, the Irish whiskey category has successfully secured protection in markets accounting for 85% of global sales, with enhanced scope to tackle infringing products. ACTION 8 Support food producers to apply for Geographical Indicators and other quality indicators as a way of adding value. ACTION 9 Continue the development of grass- fed certification and branding, including building on research into the nutritional and other benefits of grass- fed output. The benefits arising from any premiumisation should be passed back proportionately to primary producers. 110 CASE STUDY: GEOGRAPHIC INDICATORS (GIs) - WEST CORK DISTILLERS West Cork Distillers is one of Ireland oldest independent distilleries. Initially located in Union Hall, West Cork Distillers moved to a 12.5 acre facility in Skibbereen in 2016. Distillation, maturation and bottling all take place on the one site which operates 24hrs a day, seven days a week, employing circa 120 people. The entire Marsh Road facility in Skibbereen is GI verified for the distillation, maturation and bottling of Irish whiskey. West Cork Distillers exclusively uses Irish grain for the production of its Irish whiskey, principally sourced from local Cork farmers and malted by the Irish Malting Co. in Cork. West Cork Distillers produces its own brand whiskey, gin and vodka which are sold in almost 70 countries globally and also partners with retailers globally to produce own label Irish whiskey. The GI verification is of great help in getting access to international territories and enhancing the credibility and quality-focused image of Irish whiskey. 111 GOAL 3 Increase Primary Producer Diversification & Resilience 112 While Ireland has a comparative potential for more and some of those opportunities America and the Near and Far East. This has great in the period to 2030 are highlighted here. It is potential to grow with investment. advantage in grass-based livestock important to note that there is a relatively low level production, there are advantages in of interest amongst farmers to diversify their farm working towards a more diversified enterprise, although this is changing. As a result, ACTION 1 land-based agri sector, sustainably primary producers may need further education and encouragement to consider some of the options The recommendations in the “Review producing animal and plant-based specified here. of Organic Food Sector and Strategy food and biobased products such as for its Development 2019-2025” timber, delivering a range of eco-system services, and, where feasible satisfying ORGANIC FARMING should continue to be implemented and reviewed, including taking on board domestic demand. An over-reliance on By comparison with other EU member states, the area under organic production is very low in Ireland, the new EU Organic Action Plan and its any one sector could expose the agri- at less than 2% of utilisable agricultural area (UAA) three axes of boosting consumption, food sector to considerable economic compared to over 7.5% in the EU. Organic farming can increasing production, and improving and environmental risks for the future. make a very valuable contribution to primary producer the sustainability of the sector. Ultimately, diversification has the viability, but it also offers strong potential to help meet potential to make individual farms more the ambition of the agri-food sector becoming climate neutral by 2050, with many additional co-benefits All stakeholders should re-double efforts to exploit sustainable and resilient from all three for water and air quality and biodiversity. The market opportunities in organic horticulture, tillage (oats perspectives of sustainability - economic, for organic food in Ireland is growing and mirrors a in particular), dairy and poultry. In addition, Teagasc environmental and social. growing trend right across Europe. The “Review of should establish organic grassland demonstration and Organic Food Sector and Strategy for its Development tillage farms and conduct a competitiveness analysis One type of diversification which is widely practised 2019-2025” highlighted the areas in deficit and having of Irish organic farming. Increase the availability of on Irish farms is to have a source of off-farm income. market potential as being horticulture, tillage, dairy advisors and knowledge exchange practitioners with On around half of all of farms, the farmer and/ and poultry. Notwithstanding the fact that a large experience and expertise in organic farming, including or spouse has off-farm employment, while others proportion of the total organic tillage crop is dedicated the provision of tailored advice for different land types continue to farm when in receipt of other payments to oats, there is insufficient supply to meet demand. and production systems. such as a pension. Consequently 34% of NFS farms Furthermore, the insufficient supply of organic cereals are ‘sustainable’ due to off-farm income. These and proteins is inhibiting the growth of the organic farms continue to make a valuable contribution to ACTION 2 dairy, meat, and aquaculture sectors. the agri-food sector, while providing an economic, environmental and social benefit both to the farmers Salmon is the most economically significant Continue to support the organic sector themselves, their household and the wider community. aquaculture sector and is exclusively produced to the to achieve at least 7.5% of Utilisable EU Organic Certification Standard. This standard is In terms of on-farm diversification, many farmers Agricultural Area under organic recognised by international markets and valued at are already engaged in this, but there is significant over €100 million Salmon is exported to the EU, North production by 2030. 113 CASE STUDY: ORGANIC FARM - ROCK FARM SLANE, CO. MEATH Rock Farm Slane has been certified “Alex and I are passionate about the organic movement and wanted to create an eco-tourism business on the organic with the Organic Trust since farm that would allow people to get closer to both nature

2010. It forms part of the Slane Castle and food production,” said Carina. “The ethos of the farm Alex and Carina Conyngham, Estate, best known for its legendary rock is to stay productive while conserving and enhancing Rock Farm Slane concerts and now also home to Slane the landscape and its biodiversity and future plans to Distillery. The farm and agritourism process meat on-site will be another step towards self- sustainability. We also have a special interest in conserving business is run by Alex and Carina rare breeds and rear both Dexter beef and Tamworth pork Conyngham, whose family have lived on in addition to crosses for improved meat quality.” the estate since 1703. For more information visit www.rockfarmslane.ie Rock Farm Slane produces organic vegetables, fruit, beef, pork, poultry and eggs. Its primary route to market for its produce was traditionally to local restaurants but this was severely hit by COVID-19 in early 2020. In response, they pivoted to create a successful weekly farmers market and box scheme through Neighbourfood, selling their own produce and also supporting other local artisan producers. The farm sold 230 organic bronze turkeys direct to consumers for Christmas 2020 and expect to build on this further in 2021. 114 FORESTRY AND THE BIOECONOMY ACTION 5 AFFORESTATION The new bioeconomy offers significant opportunities See Goal 1 of the Mission on “Viable for primary producers to diversify their farming and The significant supports available to support and Resilient Primary Producer with fishing systems and improve their income and viability; afforestation can provide sustainable income streams in addition to the sale of timber and forest products. it will also form an integral part in Irish agriculture and Enhanced Well-Being” seafood becoming more circular and environmentally Adding forestry to the farming mix can also be sustainable. It is considered in more detail in the achieved on many extensive farms without necessarily Mission ‘A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable impacting on the drystock enterprise. Agro-forestry combines forestry and agriculture in a mutually Agri-Food Sector’. OTHER OPTIONS beneficial way on the same land, thereby providing There are also a range of other options for additional sources of sustainable on-farm income. diversification, including: ACTION 4 Multiple forms of afforestation exist, many of which • The growing national and international trend take in complementary farming activities. While See Goal 6 of the Mission on “A Climate towards consumption of more fruit, vegetables and whole-foods opens new opportunities to expand afforestation offers very significant economic Smart, Environmentally Sustainable opportunities for primary producers to diversify existing commercial crop (horticultural and arable) Agri-Food Sector”. production and the growing of new commercial and enhance their income and viability, there are obvious and significant co-benefits for environmental crops including food protein crops (see also Goal 1, sustainability. actions 27 and 32). Potential exists for Ireland to HORTICULTURE increase domestic production and reduce reliance on imported vegetables, protein crops and other Given current trends such as increased grains. There is also significant interest among craft ACTION 3 consumer demand for plant-based foods, dietary brewers in sourcing malt produced from heritage recommendations around increasing consumption malting barley varieties. Potential also exists in See Goal 4 of the Mission on “A Climate of fruit and vegetables, increasingly challenging heritage grains. Smart, Environmentally Sustainable growing environments for horticultural crops in some Agri-Food Sector”. • Whilst the vast bulk of the diet of livestock is grass countries due to climate change, and the need for Irish based, Ireland has a significant reliance on the agriculture to diversify, opportunities exist to expand importation of protein crops and their derivatives this important sector and these are likely to intensify in the manufacture of concentrate rations which over the period to 2030. are fed over the winter months. In this context, reducing Ireland’s dependence on imported protein crops would have multiple benefits. • Irish agriculture could also play an important role in decarbonising other sectors of the economy through the production of bioenergy and biogas. 115 • Other options also include regenerative farming, contract rearing, dairy-beef systems, rural tourism, ACTION 7 ACTION 9 eco-tourism, contracting, artisan food production, consultancy, renewable energy, amongst others. In Communicate the broad range of Using Just Transition Principles, build this regard, the Teagasc Options Programme has options for diversification more socio-economic resilience through been active in advising and mentoring farmers. effectively to farmers, who will need diversification, including by building on • Seafood will continue to aim for sustainable growth support to adopt them. Action 13 of Ag Climatise, in terms of value-added products in the food ingredients and in the health and sport nutrition The main providers of advisory and knowledge transfer which aims to review and analyse the full suite of markets. Seafood raw materials can be used to services should develop dedicated ‘Diversification land diversification options that offer economic extract high-end proteins, oils and calcium for use Services’ (see also Action 14). opportunities while also reducing and/or sequestering as food ingredients, nutritional supplements and emissions (note, this will need to link closely to the later medicinal ingredients. Other products such as actions contained in Mission 4 Goal 3 ‘Develop a marine collagen and gelatine can also be extracted. ACTION 8 Dynamic Knowledge Exchange Environment’). This diversification maximises seafood raw material that it mostly used for low value fishmeal. The aim Broaden the seafood product range and should be to convert this low value raw material develop seafood protein leadership. into high value food ingredient and novel products which meet the demands of the international This growth should also extend into the marine marketplace for high quality, healthy marine proteins, minerals and ingredients and the potential protein and mineral products. to maximise value from further processing of raw materials. Fish products have the potential to drive added value as key input ingredients. ACTION 6 Develop a protein strategy to reduce dependence on imported protein crops and open up opportunities in the bioeconomy a range of research projects are ongoing nationally and internationally, particularly in the area of ‘smart-proteins’, that could inform such a strategy. 116 CASE STUDY: THE NAGLE FAMILY Pat Nagle, his son Oliver and their environment – repairing stone walls and installing locally-made gates, protecting springs to improve families live in Corofin, Co. Clare. Their water quality, removing encroaching scrub, and home farm lies on the banks of the adopting new grazing and feeding regimes. This has River Fergus, while they also manage a resulted in a major increase in the ‘ecosystem services’ Pat Nagle ‘winterage’ farm in the Burren, where – cleaner water, more flowering plants, beautiful their 35 cow suckler herd spends landscape - being delivered on their farm, for which they receive an annual ‘results-based’ payment (better the winter. The Nagles have a great environmental field scores yield higher payments). knowledge of, and passion for, farming Pat and Oliver regularly host visitors to their farm – which has been accumulated over many tourists, teachers, students and other farmers. ‘People generations. The weanlings they produce are fascinated to learn how we farm here and how we on the winter pastures and summer can do it in a way that benefits us and our environment’. callows command good prices at Autumn In recognition of their work, Oliver won the National ‘Farming Together for Biodiversity’ Award and became sales, though, as with many of his peers, a ‘Farming for Nature’ Ambassador in 2019. The Oliver needs to supplement this income Nagle’s view their new, broader farming role with with an off-farm job. pride. ‘What we are doing respects the work of generations past and gives more options to the youngsters coming after Long-term participants in REPS, AEOS and GLAS us. We’re more than happy to give society what they want schemes, the Nagles are very conscious of the as long as we can make a living while doing so’. importance of maintaining good animal welfare and environmental standards on their farm. As enthusiastic participants in the Burren Programme, they have carried out a range of actions to improve their farm’s 117 GOAL 4 Improve the Social Sustainability of Primary Producers 118 Social sustainability of primary CROSS-CUTTING GENERATIONAL producers is influenced by factors within the agri-food sector, but equally RENEWAL by factors outside the sector, such as ACTION 1 Generational renewal of primary producers is critically important to ensuring the future viability and social the performance of the wider rural Teagasc Sustainability Reporting sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of and coastal economy. For farming, should broaden to incorporate issues rural Ireland. In addition, young farmers and fishers the family farm model is key to social such as: generational renewal and tend to be early adopters of new technologies and sustainability. A number of aspects feed collaborative farming models; gender practices, which can act as a catalyst for others to into improving the viability and well- follow. It is important to recognise that there is more to balance; diversity and Inclusion; generational renewal than incentivising young farmers being of primary producers and the education and training; and health and and that it is equally important to consider older and broader rural community: the influence safety (including incidence of farm retiring farmers. of age and the challenge of generational accidents, stress and rates of isolation). renewal; attracting new entrants, ideas The new ‘Whole Farm Sustainability ACTION 3 and innovation; gender balance; LGBTI+ Planning Service’ to be offered inclusivity; education and training; health by Teagasc should include social Continue to provide appropriate and safety; mental health and well- sustainability measures. CAP and CFP supports to encourage being and rural development generally. generational renewal. Ultimately, addressing these will enhance the quality of life of primary producers and make an important contribution to ACTION 2 ACTION 4 their overall sustainability. The actions Protect and enhance cultural heritage, Pursue progressive taxation policies, listed here will need to be supplemented physical and intangible, which is an especially to promote land mobility with bottom-up approaches by important source of wellbeing and of and assist succession, including the stakeholders in the sector across all broader social sustainability of rural early inter-generational transfer of these areas. areas. farms, to support both younger and older farmers. 119 ACTION 5 GENDER BALANCE ACTION 11 The trend in the proportion of workers in the primary Support and further develop agriculture, forestry and fishing sector that are female Represent the agri-food sector in the collaborative farming models. has only increased very slightly, rising from an average development of the next National of 12% in 2000-2009 to 14% in 2010-2019. Women Women and Girl’s Strategy (with the are therefore very under-represented in the sector. Department of Children, Equality, The actions outlined here should be considered in ACTION 6 Disability, Integration and Youth) due conjunction with those proposed in Goal 6, Mission 4. Ensure adequate access to finance to be published in 2022. for young farmers and fishers in the ACTION 8 context of access to finance generally. Promote women’s participation in DIVERSITY AND (See also Goal 5, Action 3 in Mission 4 “An Innovative, farming through KT Groups facilitated INCLUSION Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by by a female advisor. Technology and Talent”). ACTION 12 This is in keeping with the spirit of the KT Programme where like minded farmers who experience similar Promote LGBTI+ inclusion and combat ACTION 7 challenges and opportunities form groups. isolation. Promote the diversity of careers in agriculture and seafood and address ACTION 9 Primary producers are a diverse community just like negative perceptions of farming and any other cohort. All people, regardless of race, gender, fishing. Hold a National Dialogue on Women in ethnicity, age and sexual orientation, are necessary to Agriculture. build strong, thriving rural communities and should feel welcome and valued. All stakeholders should work (Note, this is closely linked to Goal 6 in Mission 4 ‘An to improve visibility of LGBTI+ people and issues while Innovative and Competitive Agri-Food Sector, Driven simultaneously working to reduce isolation. by Technology and Talent’). ACTION 10 Capture and publish gender data on policy implementation e.g. participation by women in schemes and measures. 120 EDUCATION AND ACTION 15 ACTION 17 TRAINING Empower farmers to become educators, Enhance awareness of health and trainers and leaders in areas such as safety throughout the sector, including ACTION 13 environmental sustainability wherever among farm families and schools. possible. Ensure education and training course Include health and safety training as a component content keeps up with the changing Peer to peer learning can be impactful and routes to of existing and new schemes. Develop education, demands of farming, forestry and this include through discussion groups, farm walks and awareness and communication campaigns, across seafood. networks such as Farming for Nature various media platforms, targeted at high risk cohorts, particularly on the main causes of accidents and fatalities. (e.g. managing staff, technology training, best practice in environmentally and socially sustainable farming, HEALTH AND SAFETY forestry and seafood production, etc) ACTION 18 ACTION 16 LEAN programmes will be ACTION 14 Introduce mandatory health and safety mainstreamed to all primary producers. skills training for all those working Promote education and training on farms, particularly in the areas of including life-long learning and peer to Pilot initiatives have demonstrated that the livestock handling and machinery. application of ‘LEAN’ principles on-farm not only peer learning and peer to peer learning deliver greater efficiencies and financial savings, but by continuing to support young trained lead to improvements in farm safety, better resource This could potentially follow the ‘Safe Pass’ example farmers and seafood workers. for construction sites. While mandatory safety efficiency, including time, as well as reduced stress and training exists for the fishing industry there is a need physical labour. a. Examine the feasibility of establishing a CPD to develop and redefine the culture of safety in the framework for young trained farmers / seafood seafood industry through increased education and workers. communication campaigns. 121 MENTAL HEALTH ACTION 21 internationally that rural development is integrally linked to policies across a wide range of areas including AND WELL-BEING Create social opportunities for primary spatial planning, enterprise growth, job creation, social cohesion, community development, public services, (INCLUDING ISOLATION) producers within their localities (such communications infrastructure, agriculture, the as discussion groups, farm walks, marine, climate adaptation, tourism, heritage, health and leisure. Our Rural Future contains fourteen actions ACTION 19 cultural and heritage events, men’s that relate to agriculture, the marine and forestry. sheds, etc.) For example, there is a commitment to encourage and Continued roll-out of actions in the support Local Authorities to expand the number of Teagasc/Mental Health Ireland manual farmers’ markets, farm shops and community-owned ACTION 22 markets. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the ‘Coping with the Pressures of Farming’ Marine will work with the Department for Rural and by both public and private advisory Continue to promote “social farming”. Community Development and others, including the service, and the National LGBTI+ agri-food stakeholders, to deliver this framework for Inclusion Strategy and the National Social Farming supports placements on a family farm, the economic and social development of rural areas Wellbeing Framework and engage with using the natural assets of the people, the place, the over the next five years. activities and the community to support a person to the Roadmap for Social Inclusion. achieve some of their own chosen goals. ACTION 24 In addition, advisory and KT providers should enhance their rural resilience services with a focus on farmer RURAL DEVELOPMENT Rapid roll-out of the National well-being. Develop programmes to support the health and wellbeing of the seafood sector and communities. Broadband plan, ACTION 23 (including broadband connection points and digital ACTION 20 Government will continue to focus on hubs) will be critical to realising many of the actions in this Strategy – see Mission 4, Goal 4, action 6. Rural Development; Continue to support the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council’s “Early The Government has published a new rural ACTION 25 Warning/Intervention System”, development policy, Our Rural Future 2021 to 2025. It builds on and goes beyond the Action Plan for DAFM will ensure that the contribution which provides assistance to farmers where they may Rural Development 2017-2019 by adopting a more of the entire agri-food sector to the be experiencing problems that may lead to animal strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing welfare difficulties, consistent with the theme of One in and maximising opportunities for rural areas. economic and social fabric of the Health, One Welfare. There is an increased understanding nationally and country is recognised in public policy. 122 CASE STUDY: ON FEIRM GROUND The National Men’s Health Training The project commenced in 2019 with a formative evaluation, which consulted with key stakeholders Initiative was commissioned to develop (farmers, agricultural bodies, advisors) in order to “On Feirm Ground “by the Department provide clear, actionable recommendations to inform of Agriculture, Food & Marine, the the design and rollout of the training programme. Department of Health and the HSE Overall, there was overwhelming support in favour to examine how agricultural advisors of advisors assuming a health role, with many seeing it as a natural extension of their principal role and as might be trained to engage with and something that was already happening organically. support farmers on health issues. With The evaluation found that, in order to be effective, the additional Walsh fellowship research proposed farmers’ health training programme should funding, this mixed-methods study, based be positioned as part of a more holistic, integrated at IT Carlow, has developed a bespoke and streamlined approach to address farmers’ health; train the trainer farmers’ health training delivered in tandem with other education, training, and service delivery initiatives; backed up by a high- module to equip frontline agricultural level implementation strategy; based on collaboration advisors with the knowledge, skills and and partnership between all relevant stakeholders; competencies to engage and signpost underpinned by research and a robust evidence base; farmers on health & wellbeing issues, and linked to other community/social events designed to combat isolation and restore the social fabric of and mainstream a health promotion/ rural communities. prevention focus into farming discussion groups. 123 MISSION 3 Food which is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad 124 Ireland’s agri-food system, including its farmers, fishers and food businesses, play a vital role in the daily lives not only of the Irish population, but millions more across the globe. Exporting around 90% of output and in turn feeding and nourishing people at home and abroad, the sector has a lot to be proud of. Indeed, its role in ensuring safe, secure food and drink supplies was brought to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these have re-awakened consumer appreciation for where their food comes from and how it is produced, processed, distributed and sold. Food security, food safety and nutrition are key Given its export orientation and with a supply of rich, and rules-based international trading system is also components of Sustainable Food Systems, particularly high quality primary produce from land and sea, food a key enabling factor in this. Evolving consumer the link between food and health. A nutritious, and drink companies are a critical element of Ireland’s trends in the domestic market, accelerated during the balanced diet appropriate to all life stages, in economy and some have developed into global leaders Covid-19 pandemic, will also open new and exciting conjunction with appropriate lifestyle choices, in their field. However, they operate in competitive opportunities for businesses in the coming decade. contribute to positive health outcomes. It is important markets and for this reason, the need for in-depth that the sector contributes to ensuring coherent consumer insight, and the creation of value added food and health policies that deliver improved health through innovation and product differentiation, is outcomes. hugely important, including in the context of returning a better economic return to primary producers. National and international consumer and trade customer trends and expectations are in a constant Tremendous progress has been made in the last state of flux and are complex. Notwithstanding this, decade in expanding the reach of Irish food and one aspect that could be considered a constant is drink to consumers across the globe. Combined an expectation that the food and drink they sell or with traditional markets closer to home, Ireland’s consume is safe, traceable and authentic, produced, agri-food sector can continue to play its part in processed, and sold in a transparent, ethical manner. contributing to global food and nutrition security, Ireland’s agri-food sector has a duty to meet these while also delivering economic prosperity for the standards and expectations and while working off sector across rural and coastal Ireland. Selling into a strong base, must evolve to keep up with rising international markets is a significant challenge, and the demands in these areas. sector must strive to be fit and ready to develop and capitalise on business opportunities. A fair, balanced, 125 Goal 1 Prioritise Coherent Food and Health Policies to Deliver Improved Health Outcomes MISSION 3 Goal 2 Goal 4 Food which is Enhance Consumer Develop Market Opportunities at Home Safe, Nutritious and Trust in our Food System, Providing and Abroad Appealing; Trusted and Evidence of a Safe, Ethical Food Valued at Home Supply and Abroad Goal 3 Create Value Add in Food Through Insight, Innovation and Product Differentiation 126 GOAL 1 Prioritise Coherent Food and Health Policies to Deliver Improved Health Outcomes 127 In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, A number of actions in food and health policy are identified where there are synergies and co-benefits ACTION 2 there is likely to be a reconsideration of which, if implemented, will deliver health benefits how society and the economy operate, to the population. This should be part of a national Ensure that the healthy and sustainable including the fundamental importance of conversation about securing the nation’s future health, choice is made as accessible to health. As part of this process, the issue with the issue of food and health playing a central role. consumers as possible. of food and health should be brought Actions (see also actions for Goal 3): to a new level of political and policy Great efforts in this regard have been made in priority. This will require both a whole- recent years and these should be intensified. Food of-government and a whole-of-society ACTION 1 processors, food service operators and retailers influence consumers’ dietary choices through the approach. Citizens, consumers, the food Improve coherence of policies for types and nutritional composition of the food they and drink sector in all its constituent food, health and nutrition through the produce and sell, their choice of suppliers, production parts, and government structures, must establishment of a high-level group co- methods (including primary production systems) and all see how they are part of a vision packaging, transport, merchandising and marketing chaired by the Departments of Health practices. Nutritious foods should also be affordable to deliver on improved food systems and Agriculture, Food and the Marine. and acceptable from a sensory (flavor and texture) and and health and what role each of them cultural perspective to consumers. can play. A combination of regulation, This should act as a starting point for the development voluntary codes of practice by industry by Government of a National Food and Health Policy. (e.g. product reformulation), education There is already a substantial agenda where the work ACTION 3 of both Departments overlap, including aspects of and awareness raising, and community Healthy Ireland and the National Obesity Strategy. Promote best practice on labelling. mobilisation will be part of a societal and These various initiatives should be advanced through behavioural change agenda, with the effective citizen engagement and informed by Farm to Fork includes ambitious proposals for roles and responsibilities of each actor scientific evidence and expert advice and input from harmonised mandatory labelling; including front of stakeholders representing all aspects of the food and clearly set out. pack nutrition labelling; as well as enhanced origin health systems. From this process, clear guidance on labelling; and a sustainable food labelling framework. sustainable healthy diets that is science and evidence- Ireland should contribute positively towards this based should be published for different audiences. workstream, ensuring that labelling initiatives are evidence based, contribute to greater consumer awareness and knowledge, but without creating unintended barriers to trade. Bord Bia should also follow this approach in relation to standards for 128 voluntary labels such as the Q-mark and grass-fed logos. Successful pilot projects testing blockchain technology to enhance traceability across supply chains has been carried out by BIM. It is intended to incorporate this in future seafood sustainable assurance initiatives. Blockchain and other digital technologies offer significant potential for the whole agri-food sector. ACTION 4 Agree a stakeholder Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation. Self-regulation has been the primary approach to product reformulation in the Irish food industry, where good progress has been made in recent years. ACTION 5 Develop public procurement policies to promote healthy and sustainable diets, particularly in schools and public institutions. ACTION 6 Continue to invest in the food, health and diet/consumption systems research required to generate the evidence base to inform our national policies. 129 CASE STUDY: VITAMIN D ENRICHED MUSHROOMS Monaghan mushrooms have a passion for tonnes of vitamin D mushrooms were sold in the UK in the past year alone. sharing the benefits of mushrooms with the world. Employing over 3,000 people, Monaghan Mushrooms are continuing to innovate by working with MBio to produce vitamin D enriched the company provide a full range of fresh mushroom powder that can be used to counter dietary mushrooms for retail and foodservice deficiency. customers, supplying many of the world’s top grocery retailers. Considering the health implications of vitamin D deficiency, and from consumer insight research, many people are now looking for alternative natural ways of introducing vitamin D to their diet. By introducing specific exposure to ultraviolet light in the production process, Monaghan Mushrooms have developed a mushroom with enhanced levels of Vitamin D. Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable source of this critical vitamin and are one of the very few non-animal sources of vitamin D too, making them a valuable food source in a balanced, nutritious diet. This innovation that adds value to an existing product but also responds to a human nutrition need has been a positive business development for Monaghan Mushrooms with the company observing an increased consumer demand for their mushrooms that have been vitamin D enriched. It is estimated that over 25,000 130 GOAL 2 Enhance Customer and Consumer Trust in our Food System, Providing Evidence of a Safe, Ethical Food Supply 131 The agri-food sector operates under SAFE AND • Conduct risk assessments and enhance testing capability (using data analytics and digital a social license of acceptance and approval of the community. Citizens, AUTHENTIC FOOD technology), along the complete food chain, to quantify the threats caused by food-borne hazards trade customers and consumers have to human health, and to identify, assess and generally high levels of confidence in implement appropriate measures of intervention the safety and authenticity of Irish ACTION 1 and control. food and this must be maintained and Implement the ‘Food Safety and Food • Enforce robust food safety and authenticity further developed on an ongoing basis measures at all points along the food chain to Authenticity Strategy’ action plan. maintain trust and to prevent damage to the system for legitimacy, credibility and trust. through a lack of confidence. However, it must be acknowledged • Work collaboratively and deploy appropriate that this claim is increasingly being resources to continually strengthen the regulatory challenged. Therefore, there is a need ACTION 2 food control system. for evidence-based data to underpin Revise the ‘National Farmed Animal • Build on existing collaborative structures between the assertions being made around food Health Strategy’ when the current one regulators and the agri-food industry to ensure a safety and authenticity. Trade customers expires in 2022. capacity and capability for adequate contingency and consumers are becoming more responses in the event of serious incidents. sophisticated and they expect and These strategies should be developed and demand that the background food story implemented in consultation with stakeholders, to ACTION 4 is coherent with the values they hold. ensure coherence and alignment with the ‘One Health One Welfare’ approach. Publish a new National Action Plan Ireland takes a “One Health and One Welfare” approach to building trust and for Antimicrobial Resistance (iNAP), mitigating risks across the food system ACTION 3 co-sponsored by the Department of and the production environment. Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Leverage the expertise and resources of the Department of Health, to replace all organisations involved in control of the current plan which expires in 2020. the food system to continue to enhance the reputation of Irish food and drink, Develop, introduce and promote necessary systems including: that assist in the delivery of the iNAP objectives in areas such as improved animal health (e.g. Animal Health Ireland (AHI) promoted programmes), improved 132 herd biosecurity, measuring antibiotic usage, increased use of milk recording, rapid sensitivity testing, etc. In TRANSPARENCY can be provided to demonstrate safe, authentic food. Build data-hubs to support enhanced use and addition, continue to advance the science of AMR and seek alternatives to antibiotics, such as exploring the AND TRUST inter-operability of data across the food system. use of novel by-products from food production and processing. Further, continue the work of the Anti- ACTION 7 ACTION 9 Parasitic Resistance Group to address this issue. Continuously review systems for Implement the new National Animal transparency, traceability, food safety, Welfare Strategy (2021 – 2025). ACTION 5 food authenticity and animal welfare information along the food chain, The new national overarching strategy takes a One Implement the newly launched National Health One Welfare approach, recognising the Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy strong interconnections and interdependencies for example by harnessing emerging technologies between human, animal and environmental health and which informs and guides actions on the prevention that are verified and robust and integrating them into wellbeing. It is underpinned by five guiding principles: of disease and the maintenance and improvement of existing traceability and control systems in line with working in partnership; science and evidence-led Ireland’s herd and flock health status, while also having the regulatory framework. policy making; improving education and knowledge; positive impacts on food safety. consistent evaluation and assessment and an effective regulatory system. It provides the framework within ACTION 8 which all animal welfare matters can be considered and ACTION 6 advanced through the collective effort of stakeholders, New technologies and platforms will be such that the vision of Ireland being increasingly DAFM and other relevant agencies created and used to: recognised as a country that actively promotes should ensure that vulnerability and safeguards the welfare of animals is achieved. • Develop focused, factual and clear messages for This will reflect positively on our society and in the assessments are conducted on the food international marketplace on our livestock industries. trade customers and consumers, including the chain and that measures are taken as promotion of more direct contact with producers, appropriate to maintain and safeguard around food safety, how food is produced, how it is the authenticity and integrity of food processed, sustainable food and healthy diets. standards and marketing claims. • Connect and facilitate knowledge transfer among producers, and to consumers. • Review all relevant datasets currently available within government and state agencies and in industry or in open data sets, to ensure evidence 133 CASE STUDY: ONE HEALTH IN ACTION Eugene Sheehan runs a 300-sow Eugene worked in partnership with his vet/farm advisors and nutritionists to identify animal health farrow-to-finish pig unit in Co. Cork issues and areas for improvement on farm and invested and has dramatically reduced his level in building additional pig housing which decreased Eugene Sheehan and his of antibiotic usage as well as overall stocking density and further improved biosecurity son Ciaran production costs in recent years with practices on farm allowing an “all-in-all-out” system on farm biosecurity being an integral avoiding mixing pigs of different age groups. element in the successes achieved. Although this change required an initial investment, it paid off very quickly in terms of the decrease in The Sheehans were one of the first pig farms in Ireland production costs per kg slaughter weight. Eugene to use the Biocheck.UGent® biosecurity scoring reports that it took almost two years and a lot of hard tool, which was introduced by Teagasc as part of its work to see the benefits of all the changes but running Advisory Services package to enable farmers to review the farm is now easier and more profitable. biosecurity and improve performance on their farms. Eugene’s achievements were recognised at EU level and he won the EUPIG Ambassador for Health for Early adoption of biosecurity tools award. Eugene has implemented a series of management and biosecurity practices that have helped improve pig health, performance and sustainability of the family farm enabling: control of most of the endemic disease issues on farm; a reduction in the use of antibiotics by 90%; removal of zinc from pig diets at therapeutic levels; and a reduction in production costs by over 9%. 134 GOAL 3 Increase Value add in Food & Drink Through Insight, Product Development and Differentiation 135 Trade customers and consumers and organic sectors, particularly for substitution of • facilitate the development of food systems and imports. decision-support tools to assess and improve Irish increasingly want food that is convenient, crop production including its nutrient profile; fresh, nutrient rich, tastes good and is • develop new sales and distribution channels such as sustainably sourced. It is not enough to ACTION 2 online and home delivery; say this, evidence of these attributes must be provided. Differentiating products Develop value-added functional foods • tell the story of how Irish food is produced, bringing trade customers and consumers closer to primary through innovation will also help to open and ingredient solutions with proven producers. new market opportunities in premium and health benefits. Note, this action is closely linked with Goal 4, Enhance online markets. the Use of Technology and Data, in Mission 4. The ability to monitor health and nutrition more Research, development and innovation are key drivers closely is a growing consumer interest, especially for of increasing value-add and developing new products. older adults and young children. This can be achieved These aspects are considered in the Mission ‘An by building on existing platforms such as Food for ACTION 4 Innovative and Competitive Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Health Ireland and the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC). Note, this action is closely linked to Industry will use R&D and innovation Technology and Talent’ and should be closely considered in conjunction with the actions listed below. Goal 2, A Strategic Funding Approach for Research, to progress reformulation of energy- Development and Innovation, in Mission 4. dense and nutrient-poor processed foods to reduce the levels of ACTION 1 disadvantageous components (e.g. ACTION 3 Develop the evidence to demonstrate sugar, salt, nitrites and/or trans fats) – the differentiating attributes of The food and beverage industry should see also Goal 1. sustainably produced Irish food and take advantage of digital innovations beverages, particularly around taste, and artificial intelligence (AI) to: nutritional profile and health inducing • assist consumers live active healthy lives, and properties, that are in line with lifestyle enable smart & personalised food choices, e.g. of trends particularly in the area of the nutritional content/allergens in food; convenience. • develop versatile and affordable sensors applied for the real-time, control of food processing, thereby Prioritise food products derived from grass-fed minimising waste and enhancing food quality for systems in the first instance, while also exploring customers and consumers; new opportunities that may arise in the horticulture 136 Meat Technology Ireland and the BIM’s Seafood ACTION 5 Development Hub, as well as other research centres such as Food for Health Ireland, the Dairy Further develop on Bord Bia’s ‘Thinking Processing Technology Centre and VistaMilk, have House’ model of targeting product and been hugely beneficial to the industry in carrying market segments based on consumer out collaborative research on key areas of common interest to companies in the sector. The opening of and market insights, while leveraging the new National Food Innovation Hub located at regulatory expertise to ensure new Teagasc Moorepark in 2021 will be another significant products and innovations are compliant development. with relevant legislation. The ability to utilise foresight into market and consumer ACTION 7 behavior should also continue to be developed. Retailers and brand suppliers also have an insight into consumer Consider the feasibility of extending trends, attitudes and behaviours, and with the growing innovation hub models to new sectors amount of data collected in this area, there is an opportunity to leverage this through the supply chain. (e.g. brewing and distilling). Learnings and synergies Efforts should also be made to improve the transmission across the various research centres, and with other of market insights to primary producers, as part of a industries, should be explored. move to greater transparency in the food chain. ACTION 8 ACTION 6 Support for early-stage food businesses Industry will further leverage the various sectoral technology centres (Teagasc and other research institutions are to further drive innovation, value- developing innovation and pilot processing centres) should be networked and linked to each other and add, new product development and to initiatives (including Enterprise Ireland’s High reformulation, lean manufacturing, Potential Start Up programme), as well as larger scale automation, and circularity. national innovation centres. The establishment of the Prepared Consumer Food Centre, National Food Innovation Hub, 137 CASE STUDY: KERRY FOODS REFORMULATION OF DAIRYGOLD Kerry Group is committed to enhancing ACTION TAKEN the nutritional composition and For Kerry Group, it was important to keep the credentials of its brands including the reformulation recipe as simple as possible, while reduction of sugar, fat and salt across all achieving the required sodium reduction through using products in line with category specific new ingredients and process techniques. Sensory testing was then carried out with an external panel targets. The focus of this case study is that found the newly reformulated product tested the reformulation of the market leading above the original recipe in taste and functionality spreads brand, Dairygold, to reduce across both loyal and non-loyal Dairygold consumers. sodium levels by 27%. The Team involved also developed 100% recyclable packaging to support the launch of the new recipe in market, which was aligned to Kerry Group’s “Beyond THE CHALLENGE the Horizon” 2030 Sustainability vision and Kerry’s Kerry Group recognises the importance of ambition to reach over two billion people with reformulating for health as well as considering sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030. consumers’ desire for convenient great tasting foods. The project involved a cross functional team, including THE OUTCOME product innovation, process development, nutrition The reformulation of Dairygold resulted in 27% less science, consumer insight and marketing. The team’s sodium content with no reduction in shelf-life and ambition was to improve the quality and taste of an improvement in functionality and taste. The new Dairygold, maintain shelf-life while reducing sodium recipe launched in new 100% recyclable packaging content. and proved a huge success in the market. Over a four-month period, 39,000 new consumers purchased Dairygold and volume sales increased by 15%. 138 GOAL 4 Develop Market Opportunities at Home and Abroad 139 Irish agri-food has been successful in accessing The relatively high proportion of exports to the The placing of such resources should also be UK market can be attributed to a mix of economic, responsive to market developments. These efforts and developing new market opportunities, geographic and cultural reasons. Although the trading should be effectively coordinated with other both locally and in international markets. relationship has changed, Great Britain will remain a Government Departments and agencies, particularly Diversifying and developing markets should significant market for Irish food and drink. Enterprise Ireland, to maximise the benefits for continue to be a priority. Ireland’s trade agenda and food and drink exports. ACTION 3 EXPORT MARKETS Increase efforts to gain and maintain ACTION 6 market access for key product categories Carry out an update on the 2018 ACTION 1 to priority international markets. ‘Prioritising Markets: Opportunities for Prioritise markets and target segment(s) Growth’ exercise in 2022 in conjunction by continuing to conduct and use trade Maintaining and building on existing market access will with industry stakeholders. require an intensified programme of inward and outward customer and consumer and market Government to Government meetings and technical insights, both at company, sector and discussions, as well as utilising the network of DAFM ACTION 7 national level. attachés located in Irish Embassies across the globe. New markets with different cuisines offer opportunities to add Tailor new product development to This should include building on the reputation of value (for example by finding markets for meat offals). the needs of trade customers and Irish food and drink to reinforce existing retail and consumers, particularly those in high food service customer relationships and attract new customers and routes to market. ACTION 4 value markets and market segments, having regard for new consumer buying Intensify the programme of Ministerial habits such as online shopping and ACTION 2 trade missions to priority international home delivery. markets. Defend and build market share in the Ensure investment in Research & Development and UK, building on British trade customer NPD is supported by innovation in branding and and consumer confidence in Irish food ACTION 5 customer experiences to differentiate and premiumise and drink as quality, trusted, sustainably products and increase targeted marketing campaigns Enhance the presence of DAFM and in these markets. produced and ‘close to home’. Bord Bia in those markets where a need is identified. 140 ACTION 8 DOMESTIC AND ACTION 12 Further integrate primary producers LOCAL MARKETS Support opportunities for direct local into market engagement in order to keep sales e.g. through developing farmers’ them informed of market developments ACTION 10 markets, community agri-food initiatives and product requirements in their main Explore domestic market and online direct sales platforms. export markets and to help them plan opportunities, particularly for Local community initiatives where food practices are their business for the medium term. horticulture, organic, prepared shared, and which are often non-commercial, can be Identify a select sub-set of credible consumer foods, tillage crops, pigmeat empowering and have also proven to be positive in ‘champions’ to help make the case and poultry and support initiatives terms of improving health and wellbeing. directly to customers and consumers. to encourage retailers, food service operators and the public sector to ACTION 13 source Irish food and drinks, while at all ACTION 9 times respecting the EU Single Market Support small and artisan food Principles and Regulations. producers to develop, market and sell The relevant Irish authorities will work their products into the local and wider to maintain and enhance a rules-based domestic markets. and equitable multilateral trading system, particularly in international ACTION 11 fora such as the World Trade Promote short, efficient routes to Organisation (WTO) and OIE. ACTION 14 market that connect small food producers to the consumer and provide Continue to develop linkages between In addition, imports into the European Union should meet the same high standards for food safety and advisory, investment and marketing local food and tourism offerings, authenticity, traceability and environmental standards support for those who wish to diversify including support for business as food produced in the EU. into new products. development and marketing initiatives to support and promote food and Examine how other countries have been successful in drink visitor attractions including the developing premium markets from family-farm produce. distillery, brewery and tourism sector. 141 For example, the seafood sector’s approach to augment their value and connect with other economies in their area with the Taste of the Atlantic – a seafood journey. The Taste of the Atlantic a joint programme between BIM, Bord Bia and Fáilte Ireland runs along the entire Wild Atlantic Way route and offers a platform to showcase Ireland’s exceptional seafood producers from the Inishowen Peninsula at the top of Donegal right down to Oysterhaven Bay in Cork. 142 MISSION 4 An Innovative, Competitive & Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent 143 Ireland’s agri-food sector is outward looking, dynamic and strongly export & consumer oriented. It has earned a strong reputation internationally as a trusted supplier of high quality, safe, sustainable food. Given the highly competitive global markets we sell into, the sector has to work hard to protect this reputation and continuously strive to innovate and maintain a level of competitiveness and resilience that enables it to prosper. An effective innovation system, a strategic approach of the control of the agri-food sector, there are to R&D funding and an engaged and responsive policies and tools that can help businesses to position knowledge exchange environment are fundamental. themselves stronger. While Ireland’s agri-food R&D capacity and knowledge A further key fundamental cutting across all of these exchange at farm level are considered strong in an areas is having the optimum mix of diverse, skilled, international context, continuous improvements are and appropriately-trained talent. The sector has to needed, particularly to bring them into line with the compete with many others in attracting and retaining latest thinking on effective innovation systems and to people from primary production level right up to ensure maximum impact for publicly-funded research. consumer interfacing positions. In addition, the nature The decade between 2020 and 2030 is likely to see of many of the roles in the sector is likely to change even greater advancements in the use of technology quite substantially in the period to 2030, as will and data on farms, fishing boats, forests and across the career preferences of young people. It is vitally food and drink companies. Ireland has a vibrant ag-tech important that the sector is prepared for these new start-up community and their innovations and those of labour and human capital dynamics and that it values other entrepreneurs and technology companies hold one of its most important assets – its people. the key to driving greater sustainability, innovation, These are the primary areas addressed in this Mission efficiency and prosperity for the sector. Precision of ‘An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food agriculture is evolving at a rapid rate and it is critical Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent’ and could be that Irelands agri-food sector is positioned to take said to be the key enablers for the implementation and advantage of this. realisation of the other three Missions in this Strategy. Even with the best use of technology available, no business can survive if it is not fundamentally competitive and able to withstand market and other shocks that inevitably arise. While many of the factors influencing competitiveness and resilience are outside 144 Goal 1 Move to a Challenge- Focused Innovation Goal 7 System Policy Coherence in Sustainable Food Goal 2 Systems between Ireland’s A Strategic Funding Domestic Policy and its Approach for Research, Development Cooperation Development and and Foreign Policy Innovation MISSION 4 An Innovative, Competitive & Resilient Goal 6 Agri-Food Sector, Driven Goal 3 Attract and Nurture by Technology and Develop a Dynamic Diverse and Inclusive Talent Talent Knowledge Exchange Environment Goal 5 Goal 4 Maintain and Improve Competitiveness and Enhance the Use of Resilience Technology and Data 145 GOAL 1 Move to a Challenge-Focused Innovation System 146 146 Innovation policy should have a BOX 5: REPORT OF THE HIGH-LEVEL challenge-orientation, focused on INNOVATION TEAM addressing problem-specific societal challenges that require the interaction of many different sectors and actors The Food Wise 2025 strategy identified the need that this will be achieved by: (including regulators) to find solutions. to review the current innovation capacity and its 1. Developing an output-based and mission- In creating a supporting environment, utilisation. As a result, a high-level innovation orientated Agri-Food Innovation Strategy. team (Paul Finnerty, former CEO ABP Food Group a well-functioning innovation and Chair of the team, Frank Roche, Director 2. Appointing a single point of oversight with ecosystem should be: Michael Smurfit Business School, and Mella responsibility for driving the Agri-Food Frewen, DG Food Drink Europe) was established. Innovation Strategy and ensuring a cohesive • Focused on the key challenges, including health and collaborative approach; and The report of the innovation team highlights and sustainability. that the public sector, across a multiplicity of 3. Driving greater collaboration across the Agri- • Engaged with key stakeholders to increase organisations, provides substantial state support Food Sector. networking, collaboration and governance; for the sector, greater than that invested by the Primary producers are a key element in this and private sector and that this is exceptional by Based on their consultations with stakeholders can act as partners in developing and testing international standards. It also found that the in undertaking their review the Innovation Team innovations and scaling-up viable opportunities. system is complex and needs to be reformed also suggested the following grand challenges as through increased coordination and improved priorities for a revised innovation system: • Focused not only on scientific and technological direction and management. The report pointed a. Sustainable Food Systems. development of new products and processes out that whilst the level of knowledge creation is but also on policy, organisational, behavioural, b. Nutrition (including a focus on pasture-based significant, the level of collaboration is inadequate and regulatory change to support speedier systems & nutrition) & Health. (both within and between the public and private uptake of knowledge & innovation; Attractive to sectors); and that there is too little focus on the c. Advanced Manufacturing; and increased private investment. end user or consumer, and insufficient focus on d. Digitalisation across the value chain. • Allow for rapid and equitable diffusion of measurable outputs. The team emphasised that science, technologies and non-technological innovation must go further than product and innovation; Address the speed and uncertainty process innovation, and that a new approach associated with scientific, technological and is needed that is output-based and mission- social change. orientated. Finally, they recommended a vision • End-to-end in scope; linking primary producers, that Ireland should “be a global leader of innovation intermediary processors, and brand owners for sustainable food and agriculture systems” and to address real consumer needs to drive sustainable growth. 147 147 e. Build on ongoing initiatives and develop further ACTION 1 strategic international partnerships and ACTION 3 collaboration and examine international initiatives Implement the recommendations to support the addressing of identified grand Examine the development of ‘Targeted of the High-Level Innovation Team challenges. Innovation Activities’ for specific through the development of a roadmap f. Appoint a single point of oversight with agri-food sectors within the challenge- (the Agri-Food Innovation Strategy) responsibility for driving this Agri-Food Innovation orientation approach focused on including: Strategy. problem-specific societal challenges. a. Develop a mission-oriented, output-focused approach with stakeholders to address key ACTION 2 challenges, while acknowledging the requirement for research and knowledge creation on new and Engage with EU and international developing concepts and policy. partners to co-develop a coordinated b. Improve the cohesion of public and private actors set of innovation actions, collaboration in the agri-food innovation system through a and networking focusing on aiding an framework approach and the identification of key environment and climate-led transition performance indicators. to a climate neutral agri-food sector c. Promote increased collaboration among all and circular bioeconomy. Collaboration stakeholders (public, private and academic with Northern Ireland partners on institutions) including to create, design, demonstrate, test and learn about new ideas in real all-island research priorities will be world settings. European Innovation Partnerships important in this regard. and national collaborative research, technology and cluster programmes such as those initiated by Enterprise Ireland are good examples of such initiatives. d. Businesses should be supported to develop an innovation culture throughout their organisations that supports all types of innovation (near, medium and longer term) and pursuing innovation that is output-focused and built on trade customer and consumer insight 148 GOAL 2 A Strategic Funding Approach for Research, Development and Innovation 149 Both the public and private sector are CASE STUDY: or collaborative innovation supports saw significant sales growth, compared to those that did not invested in research, development and participate. innovation. Inter-institutional collaboration and partnerships ESTABLISHING Public Sector investment in agri-food research, with industry have been significantly strengthened AND MAINTAINING development and innovation was in excess of €157 million in 2018 and comes from a variety of sources in recent years and EI continues to develop its offer in this space. In addition to individual collaborative LONG-TERM including DAFM, the Higher Education Authority, research projects, e.g., innovation partnerships, this has led to a greater number of internationally COLLABORATIVE Science Foundation Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. In addition, the sector receives additional support recognised research and technology centres and PARTNERSHIPS AND and funding (including finance and tax incentives) from a range of State Agencies and dedicated rural, regional clusters along with the development of high calibre expertise. This increased focus NETWORKS IN THE climate and technology innovation funds and the on market solutions, and the collaborative AGRI-FOOD SECTOR European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). infrastructure that has been developed, needs to There are also significant EU Innovation supports retained and enhanced. and, to date, Irish researchers have obtained €91m in agri-food research funding from the EU’s Horizon There has been significant investment 2020 research programme. by DAFM, Teagasc, Bord Iascaigh In the private sector, Enterprise Ireland (EI) data Mhara, Science Foundation Ireland shows that the food & beverage processing sector and Enterprise Ireland in the spent €124 million on R&D in 2018, equivalent to development of science led research 0.6% of turnover (0.9% for consumer foods, 0.7% centres, industry led technology for dairy and beverages, and 0.4% for primary meats) or 91% of the Public Sector spend on agri- centres, regional clusters, innovation food research, development and innovation. While for piloting and demonstration some companies in the sector have world class R&D to support the Irish Agri-Food programmes, in 2018 almost two-thirds of food Industry in the implementation of its & beverage clients surveyed by EI spent less than €100,000 on R&D. In effect, R&D and innovation innovation agenda. is uneven and the low margins prevalent across much of the sector can lead to a lack of available funds for project investment. This needs to be improved because EI research shows that Food & Beverage clients that availed of either in-company 150 EI Knowledge SFI Research EI Technology EI,Teagasc, BIM Pilot & Gateways, Research & Centres Centres Demonstration Facilities Technology Clusters DPTC – Dairy BioConnect – Monaghan VistaMilk Irish Bioeconomy Pilot Processing Technology Biotechnology / Agri-Digitalisation Biorefining Plant Centre Bioeconomy APC FHI – Food for Health Pairc Na Mara - Galway- Moorepark Technology Microbiome Ireland Marine Innovation Limited BiOrbic MTI – Meat TSSG – Agri- Ashtown Prepared Bioeconomy Technology Ireland Digitalisation Consumer Food Centre Shannon ABC CircBio MaREI Renewable IMR – CirculEire - Moorepark – Biotechnology / Energy Circular Economy Food Hub Bioeconomy CeADAR – Data Bia Innovator Hub AMBER Sustainable BIM Seafood Analytics, Artificial – Galway – Food Materials Innovation Hub Intelligence Innovation For the Irish governments, this very significant are an attractive tool to address both market and investment in public-private partnerships , pilot and coordination failures in research and innovation demonstration facilities, regional and technology activities and aid the leveraging of private investment clusters in science, technology and innovation (STI) in science, technology and innovation activities. Public- help make agri-food and bioeconomy research and private partnerships will also be key instruments in innovation policy more responsive to the changing not only addressing sectoral innovation for the dairy, nature of innovation and to social, industrial and seafood, PCF and meat industries in the future but global challenges. For businesses, partnering with also for addressing societal challenges such as water public research offers open innovation opportunities quality, sustainable development, green growth and to help solve problems, develop new markets food system transition for people’s health, our climate, and generate value through co-operation and co- planet and communities including farmers, foresters production beyond their own internal innovation and fishers. agendas. For governments, public-private partnerships 151 ACTION 1 ACTION 3 Maintain publicly-funded research in Strengthen links between agri-food agri-food at an appropriate funding R&D and other national research level. priority areas Publicly-funded research should have a strong output through research co-operation, platforms or networks focus and adopt a challenge-based approach, with a such as data, digitalisation, AI & ICT; advanced and view to co-developing practical solutions for farmers, SMART manufacturing, biobased and novel materials; fishers, forest owners and agri-food businesses that climate science & carbon mitigation; biodiversity; and are easy to implement. It should also be aligned with circular economy (nutrient & water recycling, food loss EU policies, particularly strategies, partnerships and and waste). the Mission Boards (on adaptation to climate change including societal transformation, healthy oceans, seas coastal and inland waters, and soil health and food) ACTION 4 under Horizon Europe. Review R&D tax credits to address specific issues that relate to the agri- ACTION 2 food sector, Target privately funded R&D to reach 1% of turnover on average by 2025. such as definitions and guidelines that currently do not adequately reflect R&D in the sector and that could also help to improve uptake among SMEs in particular. A pathway to realise this should be developed which would include a focus on collaborative research, including between sub-sectors, as well as company specific R&D and innovation, customer sponsored research, public-private and private-private partnerships. 152 GOAL 3 Develop a Dynamic Knowledge Exchange Environment 153 Knowledge and extension services have sustainability practices (“buy-in”) and all stakeholders, particularly farmer representative organisations, should ACTION 2 a key role to play in explaining research increase its profile and use. It will also be particularly outputs to primary producers and rural important that advisors are trained in all aspects of Embed knowledge exchange principles communities, and helping them to find societal and environmental sustainability on key areas and include a knowledge exchange practical applications. If research outputs such as climate mitigation practices, water quality component in publicly funded research. are not adopted by the end-user, it is a improvement, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, animal health and welfare and antimicrobial waste of resources, whether public or stewardship. In addition, up to date environmental Where feasible, seek to involve individual farms and private. advisors and allow for research to be co-created, resource management modules should be included in designed, tested, demonstrated and adopted by the primary producer education and training. At an EU level, efforts are being made to develop a target end-user. strong Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System In relation to seafood, the European Maritime and (AKIS) under the Common Agricultural Policy. Ireland Fisheries Fund (EMFF) will focus on areas such as is recognised within Europe as having one of the most enhancement of the transfer and uptake of research, ACTION 3 advanced AKIS. This can be strengthened further by innovation and technology in the sustainable blue focusing on key challenges, improving the linkages economy, the improvement of maritime skills, and Strengthen primary producer between public and private research and extension; other areas. advisory and extension services to and the linkages between universities, institutes of cover environmental and climate technology and public sector agencies such as Teagasc and Bord Bia. A deficiency that is recognised in many ACTION 1 performance, innovation and countries is that the end user (e.g. farmer or company) digitalisation, as well as agronomic, mainly plays a passive role in the AKIS. Develop an Agricultural Knowledge & animal health and welfare, technical Knowledge and advice are key to enabling all actors Innovation System in line with the CAP and financial aspects. in the food system to become sustainable. Just as Strategic Plan. farmers have access to cutting-edge research and a. Primary Producers & Advisors will require advisory services on production, equally important This should include enhancing knowledge flows continuous professional development so as will be advice and research innovations on enhanced and strengthening links between research and to aid the uptake and adoption of sustainable ecosystem services and natural capital. This advice practice; strengthening all farm advisory services technologies and practices particularly on climate should, ideally, be objective, tailored, field/farm-specific and fostering their interconnection within the AKIS; and biodiversity (e.g., hedgerow management) in a and available at a local level to take account of local enhancing cross-thematic and cross-border interactive timely fashion geographies, farming systems and environmental innovation; and supporting the digital transition in agriculture. This will require developing the full range b. Current AKIS providers should develop initiatives priorities. Peer-to-peer learning and the co-creation of digital skills that primary producers will need, to engage with farmers who currently do not of solutions with primary producers have been shown including up-skilling and re-skilling. engage with the farm advisory system. to have significant potential for enhanced adoption of 154 ACTION 4 Develop, test and share knowledge and experiences through for example focus groups, living labs, incubators, and other co-operative activities. Prioritise more farmer engagement and peer to peer learning and advice should be tailored to the primary producers in their local area. Capitalise on the expertise and communication skills of farmers through more farmer-led talks, videos and other outreach activities. 155 GOAL 4 Enhance the Use of Technology and Data 156 Closely connected to the research, to conclude shortly and any associated legislative amendments necessary. development, innovation and knowledge exchange areas is the role of technology, Being able to make effective use of data and digital applications requires the participation and co- data, digitalisation and nature and operation of many different stakeholders. For example, biobased solutions. Improvements in data needs to be shared with people and machines the performance and cost of sensors, capable of analysing it, meaning that systems and computing, storage, and band-width are protocols are needed to govern, share and exchange all leading to significant advancements data while maintaining their integrity and safeguarding individuals’ privacy or commercially sensitive in many areas of food production, information. Additionally, for a digital transition in processing and distribution. the agri-food sector and rural areas to occur, primary producers will need access to impartial advisory Technology Centres, such as the Dairy Processing services and data to help minimise a ‘digital divide’. Technology Centre and Meat Technology Ireland, support R&D projects which investigate how these technologies can be applied in a food processing setting. Investments in this area have also been supported by the presence of key agri-tech accelerators as well as State and European investment. Despite this, the innovation ecosystem is still at a relatively early stage and the uptake and application of technology to the sector has been slow and not had the impact on innovation, productivity and sustainability that is evident in other areas of the economy. There are a wide range of digital innovations promising to substantially change the way we manage soil & land, produce, process and distribute food and its by-products and residues, and improve transparency along the food chain. Some of these have great potential but require regulatory approval. For example, Genomic Technologies could accelerate the process of reducing dependency on Plant Protection Products (PPPs). However, their use will be dependent on the outcome of a European Commission review due 157 CASE STUDY: ACTION 1 AGTECH HUB Develop the digital transition of the agri-food sector in line with policies such as the CAP Strategic Plan process and the National Digital Strategy. Key principles which should be followed Enterprise Ireland (EI) through its include: Regional Economic Development a. Develop a coordinated approach for the use of Fund has funded a number Agri-Tech data and digital technologies in agri-food, focusing related Centres. For example, the on the specific needs and requirements of primary producers, processors and consumers AgriTech Centre of Excellence (ACE) is a collaboration between IT Tralee, b. Examine the opportunity for the use of public data sources to support the design and implementation DairyMaster, McHale, Abbey Machinery of agri-food and bioeconomy policies addressing and Kerry County Council. productivity, sustainability and transparency Additionally, NovaUCD has been awarded €3m in c. Promote ‘fit for purpose’ technology that is backed funding to help turn UCD Lyons Farm into the central up by a robust business case around the adoption hub for ag-tech research in Ireland and to develop of such technology at farm level. In addition, an AgTech Connector Innovation Hub at the County develop ways of communicating with society, trade Kildare farm. The hub aims to bring together Ireland’s customers and consumers how these technologies wider AgTech community and help with the launching are used in food production so that they are and scaling of AgTech companies by providing access understood and not feared, such as through Origin to on-farm research collaboration opportunities, Green as well as a location to test and trial products and d. Foster greater collaboration between research services in a real-world environment. The hub will also organisations and non-traditional partners. provide access to dedicated acceleration programmes and incubation facilities. The AgTech Hub led by NovaUCD, will be developed in collaboration with AIB, Kildare County Council and Kildare LEO and several agri-companies and investors including, Devenish, Dairymaster, and Glanbia, and Finistere, The Yield Lab, and Atlantic Bridge. 158 ACTION 2 ACTION 4 ACTION 6 Develop the digital transition in fisheries Undertake research and increase Rapid roll-out of the National engagement with initiatives to address Broadband plan in line with the EMFF and the national digital strategy the socio-economic impact of agri- (including broadband connection points and digital and the EU Mission Starfish 2030 including to align digitalisation with a particular focus on hubs) will be critical to realising many of the actions with activities to fully map, sequence, observe data governance issues. in this Strategy. All relevant stakeholders should and predict our ocean, seas and rivers to allow the work in a spirit of collaboration to deliver this plan development of trusted and fit for purpose science- This should build on the findings from an ongoing as its importance has only grown since the Covid-19 based deliverables (observation system, modelling Irish research project, ‘Agri-Discrete’, that aims to pandemic. Along with being a critical part of the capacity, maps) that can be used as services to contribute to good data governance practices in National Digital Strategy, high speed broadband can underpin a sustainable blue bioeconomy. agriculture and forestry and which is also considering also facilitate the increase in remote working seen the EU code of conduct on agricultural data sharing by during the pandemic and it will also have an important contractual agreement (developed by Copa-Cogeca). role to play in helping agri-food businesses to develop ACTION 3 their presence online. Increase co-investment between the ACTION 5 public and private sector for ag/food- Labour-saving automation research tech and bio-economy accelerator and development, including a focus on programmes. advanced manufacturing, should be In addition, foster an investment culture that supports pursued by all available means, public the scaling of early stage ag/food-tech & bioeconomy and private, particularly for lower- companies. skilled and repetitive manual roles. SMEs may require assistance in this. Re-training should be offered where necessary for those whose jobs may change or be displaced. 159 CASE STUDY: THE USE OF FIELD-BASED TECHNOLOGY IN THE HEN HARRIER PROGRAMME The Hen Harrier Project has nearly Further developments include a partially automated screening system to enhance the capacity of the team 1,600 participants who manage 37,610 to assess proposed supporting actions - this is an hectares of land in the Special Protection essential step forward if the operation of large-scale Area (SPA) network with some of schemes is to be feasible in the future. In addition, Ireland’s most sensitive habitats. a nest protection management system was also developed to collate records of nest protection works The summer of 2019 was the first season where the and to provide for improved planning and resource new Hen Harrier Programme App was operational. allocation to this task in the future. This facilitated the collection of data on almost 19,000 This type of field-based technology will enable more fields and this continued into the 2020 season. results-based schemes to be part of the next CAP. Building on the lessons learned in the early years of the project the Hen Harrier Program developed an App for advisors to input data from field assessments into their database. The data included quantitative (the extent of the participants involvement, i.e. BPS declarations), and qualitative (field/monitoring data that determines payments). The system is continually enhanced. The Hen Harrier Project introduced the geo tagging of field assessments in 2020. This verifies that the Advisor is in or close to the field at the moment they save the assessment. It also creates a digital trail from the moment of assessment (by a trained advisor using a standard technique) to the point of payment. 160 GOAL 5 Improve Competitiveness and Resilience 161 CASE STUDY: {Note: only the secondary / processing sector is important that there is continual review of finance addressed here as competitiveness and productivity in options to ensure that both day-to-day cash flow and the primary sector are addressed in Mission 2} longer-term investment needs are being addressed, as well as access to State Aid through Enterprise Ireland FUTURE GROWTH Maintaining and improving competitiveness and resilience is a and others for investments in innovation, market diversification, up-skilling and capital equipment. LOAN SCHEME key concern for all businesses and productivity growth is a critical factor. Differences exist, particularly between The Future Growth Loan Scheme SMEs and large companies including (FGLS) was developed by the multinationals, which overall have Department of Agriculture, Food & much higher growth rates for labour the Marine and the Department of productivity, for example. Enterprise, Trade & Employment, in The agri-food sector is unique in its enterprise mix, partnership with the Department including both foreign and Irish-owned multi-national of Finance, the Strategic Banking firms, as well as mid-cap companies and a large number Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and of SMEs. the European Investment Fund Investment in research, development and innovation (EIF). It supports strategic long- is essential to enable agri-food processors to build resilience, compete in global markets, and increase term capital investment by SMEs value-add. In addition to research, development including farmers, fishers and food and innovation, factors driving productivity, businesses. competitiveness and resilience include labour and human capital, sales & exports, access to finance & investment and the overall business environment for cost competitiveness. The latter two are considered in this Goal. The agri-food sector is one of the most capital intensive of all sectors in the Irish economy so access to finance is a critical requirement to maintain competitiveness, enabling businesses to innovate and grow. It is a challenge in particular for SMEs. It is 162 It is being delivered through participating finance invests by EU standards. By supporting farmers, providers with a fund of €800 million of investment fishers and food businesses to make investment loans available to eligible Irish businesses. The loans decisions tailored to their enterprise, it promotes are competitively priced with an initial maximum competitiveness and resilience and in the agri-food interest rate of 4.5% for loans less than €250,000, are sector all along the food production chain from for terms of 7-10 years and support strategic long- primary producer to processor. term investment. This is a financial product that was previously unavailable in Ireland, hence the involvement of the various public bodies to bring it to market. The unique characteristic of the Scheme is that loans up to €500,000 are unsecured, making it a viable source of finance for young and new entrant farmers, especially the cohort who do not have high levels of security. It also serves smaller-scale farmers, who often do not have the leverage to negotiate for more favourable terms with their banking institution. Food companies have also identified long-term investment finance of up to ten years as a critical need which is currently unavailable in Ireland. Open for applications since April 2019, the scheme has seen very strong demand for investment loans, particularly from the agri-food sector. The Scheme is an important Government support to small and medium businesses, a sector in Ireland which under- 163 Given the reliance on the UK and international markets for agri-food sales, currency volatility and particularly ACTION 2 ACTION 4 any appreciation in the value of the euro, poses competitiveness challenges. Ireland’s Competitiveness Review current levels of state aid to Actively engage with the National Scorecard 2020 also identifies other longstanding cost support increased levels of indigenous Competitiveness and Productivity competitiveness issues for the economy as a whole and foreign direct investment in Council (NCPC) and other relevant including insurance, legal costs, housing and childcare. enabling technology, including ensuring stakeholders on competitiveness and In summary, although Ireland is generally a high-cost the needs of food & drink companies ease of doing business issues, especially economy, low tax policies for business, a productive workforce and a focus on adding value allow Irish are fully reflected in Ireland’s inputs to on issues specific to the agri-food sector. agri-food companies to compete internationally. Given the upcoming review of State aid rules that it is unlikely Ireland will ever become a low-cost scheduled for 2022 Consider an action plan to drive implementation of the manufacturing economy, the focus must remain on NCPC recommendations most relevant to the sector. continuous improvement and operational efficiencies, with a particular focus on ensuring state aid continues alongside increased investment in research, to be available for investment in innovation, development and innovation. enabling technologies such as biorefining, advanced ACTION 5 manufacturing and digitalisation, plant renewal and expansion, refinancing, and market development. Facilitate closer economic interactions ACTION 1 between SMEs and MNEs through Promote the take-up of appropriate trade linkages, demand-led research ACTION 3 supports for companies, particularly collaboration and open innovation SMEs, of Enterprise Ireland supports, Continuously review access to finance, approaches (e.g. EI/IDA Technology aimed at developing company particularly for SMEs, including farmers Centres, Regional & Technology competitiveness, capability and resilience and fishers, Clusters and SFI Research Centres), and labour mobility. (e.g. the Capital Investment Initiative and Operational to ensure businesses can innovate and grow, Excellence supports including the ‘LEAN Offer’ and intervening with additional state supports such as ‘Green Offer’ and the Market Discovery Fund) and those provided by the SBCI and others, as appropriate, Science Foundation Ireland competitiveness tools (e.g. as well as exploring finance opportunities offered by Spokes Partnerships) to build capability. In addition, specialist funds. utilise the services of Bord Bia in trade customer and consumer-led insights through for example the Brand Development Service which can improve value-add and enhance business resilience and competitiveness. 164 GOAL 6 Attract and Nurture Diverse and Inclusive Talent 165 Employers across the agri-food sector Goal 4 in Mission 2, improving the social sustainability d. The food and drink sector should continue of primary producers, and this present Goal. In to pursue the implementation of the depend on a mixture of skills, including particular, generational renewal in primary production recommendations contained in the Expert Group professional, technical, scientific and is addressed in that Goal. Therefore, they should be on Future Skills Needs in the Food and Drink sector. general operatives relevant to the nature considered in tandem. Priority should be given to ensuring the skills base of the work. Meeting the demand for the reflects not just the current business demands but appropriate level and mix of skills, talent also the challenges of future growth in existing and ACTION 1 new markets and labour in the sector is a growing issue and poses a risk to its overall e. The promotion of agri-food education and careers Employers in the agri-food industry will needs to be improved in order to catch up with other competitiveness and innovation. develop an education, skills and talent sectors of the economy competing for prospective At the primary level, a number of challenges exist, attraction and retention strategy. students or graduates. For example, the private sector could collaborate with the public sector in including attractiveness and generational renewal, This should balance short-term needs with a vision the financing and operation of an agri-food careers availability of labour and education and training. of how new skills and talent from apprenticeship portal which would inform, promote and attract At the secondary or processing level, similar level through to Post-Doctoral level can contribute people, including non-traditional agri-food groups. challenges exist. For example, employers in parts of to strengthening the long-term resilience and f. Map how roles in the sector will change over the the food industry are faced with significant issues in development of the sector. next 10-20 years. sourcing appropriate operational labour, particularly a. Supports such as those offered by the Further in food processing and manufacturing. There are Education Sector and organisations such as also challenges in attracting new and diverse talent and skill-sets, particularly for roles where there is Enterprise Ireland, Teagasc, Solas, and SkillNet, and ACTION 2 initiatives such as Alumni Networks and Diversity competition from other sectors of the economy, such as R&D, technology/ICT and branding/marketing. and Inclusion Master classes should be highlighted, To ensure decent work and address continued and promoted. labour shortages: There are also issues in relation to providing attractive career progression pathways. b. Build upon Bord Bia’s Talent Academy master’s degree programmes to address food industry skills a. Employers across the agri-food sector will make Overall, the agri-food sector needs to constantly requirements in export business development, roles, particularly those that are operational in innovate and re-brand to win in the war for talent. It category management, sustainability and insight nature, more attractive, including ensuring that must also make greater efforts at people development, the employee experience, ensuring a diverse and c. One of the key drivers of talent development is strong pay and conditions are comparable with similar inclusive workforce and up-skilling and lifelong leadership and leadership teams. Senior managers roles in other sectors, that appropriate working learning in order to retain its most important assets – in agri-food businesses should prioritise their conditions are in place, and the provision of training its people. participation in Enterprise Ireland’s suite of leadership and development opportunities, including language development programmes, including the Leadership 4 skills. It should be noted there is strong overlap between Growth and Innovation 4 Growth programmes. 166 b. More responsive and flexible labour and welfare, animal health and food safety, LEAN principles Taste4Success Skillnet ‘Rejuvenate’. These are immigration policies will be pursued. Where etc. In the seafood sector, relevant stakeholders important for increasing female participation in the recourse to employment permits is needed, and working with the skills and training offering provided agri-food labour force. recognising that this should be the last resort by BIM should promote and fund the development of for filling vacancies, stakeholders should work professional training, new professional skills and lifelong together to prove that this option is necessary. learning. In addition, to help in attracting new entrants ACTION 5 In addition, efforts should continue by the and upskilling the current workforce, provide new Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment learning options including accredited programmes with Promote and develop initiatives to in introducing a seasonal employment permit global recognition, on-line learning and bespoke on-site improve diversity and inclusion facility in new employment permit legislation. training. Virtual classes, e-learning, blended training Greater efforts should also be made by employers (virtual and on-site) and digital innovation hubs will Diversity of people, talent, backgrounds and skills will to ensure that these workers are fully integrated become even more important in a post-Covid world. be critical to the future development of the sector and into the workforce and offered attractive career all stakeholders will participate in this. Appropriate progression opportunities. and proactive management of cultural diversity can c. The People in Dairy Action Plan will be ACTION 4 help businesses to address challenges in the areas of implemented in order to address specific labour labour attraction and retention, language skills and issues in the dairy sector. Promote and improve gender balance building culturally competent businesses at all levels, but particularly at senior a. Employers should engage proactively with management and board level The Agri-Food Diversity & Inclusion Forum, a ACTION 3 collaborative initiative between industry, Bord Bia (note, gender balance at primary production level and Aon and in partnership with The 30% Club, is Education and training programmes is addressed in Goal 4, Mission 2). Greater gender a useful resource in this regard, particularly the equality in businesses opens untapped talent sources, online Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit designed for (note, education and training of makes companies more innovative and responsive and, the industry. primary producers is also addressed ultimately, more sustainable.. in Goal 4, Mission 2), including new b. Employers should utilise the recommendations of the a. Promote women in leadership roles in the agri- recently published Skillnet Ireland report ‘Cultural apprenticeships, will be kept under food sector, including improving gender balance in diversity challenges and opportunities in the Irish review to ensure they respond to needs stakeholder organisations and State and company agri-food sector’. These are particularly useful in such as in the areas of environmental boards in the sector. improving diversity in culture and backgrounds, which sustainability b. Promote and support women’s networks, such can also be an advantage in increasing innovation and as CERES, and mentoring programmes for rural exploiting new business opportunities. (e.g. the inclusion of organic farming as an option in female entrepreneurs such as ACORNS. c. Ensure that workplaces are inclusive of LGBTI+ relevant Teagasc courses), social sustainability, new people and work to ensure they are made positively c. Promote and support women’s return to work technologies, management and accounting, animal visible, valued and welcome. programmes, such as that developed by UCC and 167 GOAL 7 Policy Coherence and Synergies in Sustainable Food Systems between Ireland’s Domestic Policy and its Development Cooperation and Foreign Policy 168 This Strategy has proposed policies recommendations in the report of Ireland’s NTTRA, to deliver on this over the coming decade. One aspect including on those regions/countries and sectors which can contribute to strengthening the relationship through which Ireland aims to become which will be central to developing an integrated is in the area of research and innovation for sustainable an international leader in sustainable approach involving the governmental, private sector, food systems, food security, and inclusive, sustainable food systems (SFSs). The Irish experience civil society and the university sector. This should be agri-food production and value chains. of agricultural and rural transformation the platform for supporting Ireland’s efforts towards is of relevance to countries at different sustainable development in Africa as well as enhancing its developmental and wider economic interests. ACTION 5 stages in their transformation process, particularly to those developing countries, Ireland will play a leadership role at the mainly in Africa, with whom Ireland has ACTION 2 FSS in September 2021. had a long-standing partnership through Continue to promote and enhance the Ireland’s record of the transformation of its own its development cooperation programme. Africa Agri-Food Programme to ensure agri-food and rural sector, as well as its practice of developing strategy on an inclusive, multi-stakeholder Ireland’s readiness to promote SFSs within its it meets its objective of developing basis, is of interest to a wide range of countries. The development cooperation programme and climate partnerships between the Irish agri- FSS will seek to encourage and support countries diplomacy; and its capacity to influence EU policy on food sector and African countries. which use a food systems approach for their future SFSs combine to enable Ireland to make an important national planning. By virtue of its own experience, contribution to the Food Systems Summit (FSS), Ireland should be in a position to provide leadership convened by the UN Secretary General, in September in this area, as well as making a specific policy input 2021 and for other future initiatives likely to arise ACTION 3 to one of the FSS’s five objectives – Action Track 1: beyond this milestone event. The proposed Actions ‘Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all’. reflect the opportunity for Ireland to promote SFSs DAFM will align policy development through its national development cooperation and and implementation with Ireland’s foreign policy, climate diplomacy and through its commitments under the SDGs taking ACTION 6 influence on EU and international policy. account of specified goal targets and Work to secure the establishment of indicators. ACTION 1 a network of international experts to develop a composite indicator or index Promoting food and nutrition security, and of sustainable food systems. ACTION 4 SFSs, will be a central part of delivering on Ireland’s ambition of the achieving the UN Ireland will advocate that SFSs are an Organisations such as the FAO and OECD should aid target of 0.7% of GNI by 2030, be the first point of contact. The index should help important part of the deepening strategic in providing an independent, reliable and trust- relationship between Africa and the EU worthy measurement of sustainable food systems, recently re-affirmed in the 2020 Programme for empowering countries and citizens to become more Government (PfG). An early priority should be and should commit to an active role in working with informed in what can improve the sustainability of that Government should take decisions on the other EU member states and with African countries their food systems. 169 MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 170 I. WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP The unique aspect of this strategy FAO has stated in the context of the Food Systems Summit, “the many independent initiatives of and those that preceded it is that it governments, private sector and civil society that have has been developed by a broad range emerged in support of more sustainable food systems of stakeholders from across the agri- lack a common framing of the complex interactions, food sector. This form of ‘participative’ dependencies and trade-offs intrinsic to food systems”. deliberation and involvement in Ireland, through its agri-food strategy, has such a common framing process. This framework will support preparing the strategy means that the the transformation to “more efficient, inclusive, sector itself is its owner and has a strong resilient and sustainable agri-food systems”. interest in successful implementation. While the roles for private and public sector groups in implementing the actions are set out in the Crucial to this will be all actors in the sector working implementation plan, there are a number of areas together in a constructive fashion, in a spirit of which are of particular importance in enabling this collaboration and partnership and, if necessary, approach of working in partnership: compromise, to address the challenges and grasp the opportunities in the decade ahead. How food is produced, processed, transported, packaged, retailed, consumed and disposed of all add up to its overall environmental, social and economic sustainability. There is an opportunity for all players to collaborate along the supply chain for maximum impact. There is also a real opportunity to share and build on each others’ insights and to work together to a common innovation and sustainability agenda. The challenges outlined in each of the Missions are such that they can only be tackled by the combined efforts of many, rather than the individual efforts of a few. Equally, the opportunities that are likely to present over the coming decade are there for all. 171 RETAILERS, FOOD ACTION 1 ‘BOTTOM-UP’ AND SERVICE AND Retailers and the food service sector PUBLIC/PRIVATE CONSUMERS will engage with processors to agree APPROACHES, The customers of Ireland’s food and drink (retailers, initiatives and incentives for their INCLUDING FINANCING the food service sector and consumers) should also primary producer suppliers that would play their part in helping the agri-food sector become encourage and reward greater adoption While many of the actions in this Strategy are assigned to public or private sector groups, these will need to more sustainable economically, environmentally of sustainability practices. be complemented with bottom-up and community-led and socially. With ever more demanding conditions actions. In addition, funding will need to come from a and expectations, these can bring additional costs variety of sources, including both private and public. to the production and processing of food and drink. Margins are typically low and it is not always possible ACTION 2 This will be particularly important in accelerating the path towards greater environmental sustainability. for actors in the food supply chain to absorb these additional costs. It is also undesirable to have a food Retailers and the food service sector We have seen examples of public-private partnerships system which expects more from producers and at the will work in a coordinated manner to such as Dairy Sustainability Ireland which led to reduce packaging and other wasteful the ‘Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice same time, constantly strive to reduce prices. Better Programme’ (ASSAP) and the IFA/EPA ‘Smart Farming’. communication and cooperation along the supply practices. Meanwhile, the locally led innovation programmes chain could help to educate consumers about where (EIPs) have provided local solutions to specific issues. their food comes from and the work that goes in to ensure that it is safe, nutritious, ethically produced and Fully-sponsored private sector initiatives are also emerging, such as bonus payments to farmers who sustainable, and meets their rising expectations. ACTION 3 comply with specific environmental criteria. Building on the provisions in Ag Climatise, the following actions The agri-food sector should proactively should be considered in further building on this: inform the consumer agenda as well as responding to it. All stakeholders should participate wherever possible, but particularly retailers and food service providers who are the direct interface with many consumers. 172 Era and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) ACTION 4 should work with Government Departments and the private sector to develop suitable funding models to Models such as the ASSAP, EIPs and contribute to environmental programmes. This is in fully sponsored private sector initiatives addition to current financing arrangements, including need to be replicated and scaled-up in the successful partnership with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. In particular, ISIF has indicated the period to 2030 across a range of that it can assist in working towards a functioning environmental areas. carbon market, and in providing long-term and flexible finance for the delivery of climate change and agri-tech Stakeholders such as industry representative bodies measures proposed in the Strategy. and private companies and co-operatives should come forward with such proposals. Initiatives should ensure that there is a credible estimate of the baseline ACTION 6 (‘before’) such that the benefits (‘after’) can be clear, evidence-based and stand up to independent DAFM should lead a multi-stakeholder scrutiny. More private sector investment will require measurable outcomes and proof points – results- project, facilitated by ‘EIT Climate based payment schemes generate evidence based KIC’ on a “Deep Demonstration” data on environmental performance and would work activity, to develop a coordinated particularly well here. set of innovation actions focusing on aiding an environment and climate-led ACTION 5 transition to a climate neutral agri- food sector. Multiple sources of finance and funding (including climate finance) will be required, both from the public and private sector. While the CAP, the CFP and other EU and national sources of funding will be key in bringing about a climate smart, environmentally sustainable agri- food sector, in accordance with Action point 10 of the Climate Action Plan, the NTMA through New 173 CASE STUDY: OPEN SOURCE FUTURE FARM PROGRAMME The Open Source Future Farm installed on farms to monitor and improve water and energy usage. Programme is a key knowledge transfer sustainability initiative from Glanbia A key priority of the programme is to introduce digital technologies and practices particularly in the area of Ireland in conjunction with Teagasc. The labour efficiency. This will provide strong insights for participating Open Source Future Farms other farmers on streamlining their farming operation act as living environments to test new to deliver lean management practices, whilst also and emerging sustainability technologies supporting the health and well-being of the farmer. and management practices with a view Strong emphasis is placed on soil health, nutrient to ensuring that the lessons from such management planning, utilising high yields of quality grass, effective nitrogen usage and the Economic practice are made available to Glanbia Breeding Index (EBI) of the herds, to help boost Ireland’s wider milk supply base. productivity while reducing climate impact. A key objective of this programme is to harness Glanbia Ireland milk suppliers from counties Laois, advancements in technology, research and farm Waterford, Kildare, Cork, Kilkenny, Meath, Wexford, practices to help farmers implement changes to Wicklow and Tipperary including Kevin Murphy and improve their environmental footprint, while also Shane Fitzgerald participate in the Programme and improving the economic sustainability of their farm share their learning’s with neighbouring milk suppliers, businesses. The programme is also part of the EU- to support them to improve the sustainability of their funded Smart Agri Hubs dairy project, with meters farm businesses. 174 DIALOGUE & ACTION 8 PARTNERSHIP The agri-food sector needs to engage Effective dialogue and partnerships will go some with children and students. way to fostering a more understanding discourse and managing the inevitable trade-offs between A working group should be established to consider economic, social and environmental performance. how best this might be done and may include the Dialogue is also a key element of a Sustainable Food sector convening a “Youth Summit”. System. Discussions need to be respectful, grounded in fact, seen from different perspectives, and action oriented. Primary producers also need to work to ACTION 9 improve transparency and trust with trade customers, consumers and broader society. Such an approach Build on the experience of the national could include action in the following areas: dialogues, held in 2021 as part of Irelands preparations for the UN Food ACTION 7 Systems Summit, by continuing the culture of dialogue and stakeholder All stakeholders should work together engagement, which is an important to identify leaders or ambassadors component of a food systems to educate, encourage and advocate approach. for greater environmental and social sustainability. Farmers and fishers are not just quality food producers but also are in the right place to respond to environmental challenges. Farmers and fishers need to take the lead here and be more proactive. Consideration should be given to acknowledging pioneers or leaders in these areas though a system of awards (e.g. www.farmingfornature.ie) and other activities such as festivals, local markets and local farm walks should also be rolled out. 175 CASE STUDY: FARMING FOR NATURE AWARDS The Farming for Nature (FFN) project Irish farmers on why, and how, they too might take the small or big steps needed to aims to celebrate and support farmers enhance the natural health of their farms. across Ireland who are going that extra The website www.farmingfornature.ie mile to support nature on their farms, contains a range of resources designed and to share their stories and knowledge specifically for farmers who are interested with other farmers and the wider public. in improving biodiversity, building healthier This will help to re-frame the prevailing soils or improving water quality on their negative narrative around farming and land. These include an online forum, a suite of farmer-friendly resources including best nature, to a more positive, inclusive and practice guides, videos and podcasts. FFN impactful one. hosts ‘Ask the Farmer’ Q&A sessions and Farm Walks throughout the year, led by While acknowledging the negative environmental farmers for farmers, and has an active social impacts of the wrong type of farming, FFN focuses media presence. on the huge potential resource that Irish farmers represent in addressing our climate and biodiversity An independent, non-profit initiative, Farming for crises. To mobilise this resource, farmers will need Nature is supported by An Bord Bia, the Department targeted financial and technical support, but they will of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National also need to embrace this broader role of ‘ecosystem Parks and Wildlife Service. In the words of President service providers’, producing great food as well as a Higgins, FFN is “a powerful and tangible exemplar of range of environmental services for society. what can be done from the ‘bottom-up’, tackling the issue at grassroots level and fostering widespread As part of FFN’s work, every year a number of awareness and buy-in, creating an environmental exemplar Irish farmers are identified and the stories of consciousness that can deliver powerful, far-reaching these ‘Ambassadors’ and their practical knowledge are and lasting results”. shared using short films, podcasts and media pieces. These ‘peer testimonies’ help inspire and inform other 176 176 II. KEY INDICATORS AND PROGRESS BY 2030 A key element of successful therefore identified the goals associated with each Mission, as well as the key indicators which will be used implementation is the assignment of to track progress. The Committee has also outlined responsibility for the actions contained what progress by 2030 will look like. in the Strategy, the key deliverables for those actions and the timeframe for their implementation. In addition, key high-level indicators are a further important element in framing the overall implementation of the Strategy. A detailed Implementation plan with the actions and their owners, deliverables and timeline for implementation will be published separately. While the Strategy provides the vision and missions to facilitate a transformation to a sustainable food system, it should not be seen as a final or definitive roadmap. It is a framework within which more detailed plans and processes will need to be developed. National and international policy developments will also be important and the Strategy should be seen in that context, as the beginning of the pathway to the vision of a more sustainable food system. As yet there is no internationally agreed set of indicators for Sustainable Food Systems, although these may emerge in the future. The Committee has 177 PROGRESS BY 2030 MISSION 1 A CLIMATE SMART, The Committee acknowledges that in general, Forestry: Increase afforestation from existing future environmental targets are likely to be set levels to at least 8,000 ha per year and double the ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE by legislation and commits to participating in the sustainable production of biomass from forests to AGRI-FOOD SECTOR various target-setting processes with a view to 2 million tonnes by 2035. Goal: A Climate-neutral food system by 2050, with the ultimate commitment to be climate neutral by Organic farming: At least 7.5% of utilisable verifiable progress achieved by 2030, encompassing 2050. agricultural area is targeted to be farmed emissions reductions, carbon sequestration, air, organically by 2030. biodiversity and water quality. Biogenic methane: The Strategy commits to a reduction of at least 10% by 2030 (on 2018 level), Seafood: Achieve 30% of marine protected areas Key indicators: by 2030. recognising that this will need to adjust in line • Biogenic methane level with emerging national and international targets Food Waste: The Strategy aims to halve the level for the sector and in line with the development of of food waste per person by 2030. • Ammonia and Nitrous Oxide emissions scientific solutions. • Water quality Origin Green Programme: Achieve a high The target for biogenic methane will be updated participation rate by both primary producers and • Biodiversity – land and sea when specific sectoral targets are agreed under the food industry in an enhanced Origin Green • Afforestation level the framework of the Climate Action and Low programme. Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021. • Level of organic farming Note: Ag Climatise has already set additional Nitrous Oxide: Emissions associated with targets relating to chemical nitrogen use, • Food Waste statistics chemical fertiliser use to reduce by more than abatement through LULUCF, the management • Enhanced Origin Green Programme 50% by 2030. of peat soils, genotyping, milk recording, slurry Water Quality: The Strategy commits to reduce application, slurry stores, protected fertilisers nutrient losses from agriculture to water by 50% and renewable energy. by 2030. Biodiversity: It is envisaged that by 2030, 10% of farmed area will be prioritised for biodiversity, spread across all farms throughout the country. Air Quality: Ammonia emissions to reduce to 5% below 2005 levels by 2030. 178 PROGRESS BY 2030 MISSION 2 VIABLE AND RESILIENT PRIMARY The Strategy is ambitious for primary producers, envisaging an upward trend in Family Farm PRODUCERS WITH ENHANCED Income towards 2030, with an increased share of WELLBEING viable and sustainable farms, reflecting improved Goal: Competitive, productive primary producers with economic returns to land and profitability per improved economic and social sustainability. hectare, with increased diversification across sectors. The Strategy also foresees the seafood Key indicators: sector continuing on a path of sustainable • Family Farm Income (Family Farm Income per economic and environmental development by hectare) carefully managing the utilisation of sea-fisheries and aquaculture. • Economic Sustainability of farm business The Strategy aims to improve the social • Economic return to land (Gross output per hectare) sustainability of primary and Profitability (Market-based gross margin per producers, increasing the share hectare) of younger and trained farmers • Economic performance of the Seafood sector (as and fishers, reducing the risk of reported by BIM ‘The Business of Seafood’) social isolation, and ensuring • Total primary output and output by sector a much improved record on health and safety. • Formal agricultural education • Age Profile • Number of new entrants • Number of farm families • Isolation risk • Health and Safety statistics • Market transparency 179 MISSION 3 FOOD WHICH IS SAFE, NUTRITIOUS AND APPEALING, TRUSTED AND VALUED AT HOME AND ABROAD Goal: Coherence of policies for food, health and nutrition; Enhancement of consumer trust through providing evidence of safe and ethical food production; Creation of value-add, through insight and innovation, supporting the food sector and continuing to develop market opportunities at home and abroad. Key indicators: • Development of coherent national and international food, health and nutrition initiatives • Enhanced food safety, animal health and welfare • Value and value-added in the agri-food sector • Value of Agri-food exports PROGRESS BY 2030 The Strategy aims for an integrated food systems approach to food and health policy; Continued world-class standards in food safety, animal health and welfare. Increased value-addition, and an increase in the value of agri-food exports to €21billion by 2030, built on sustainable steady value growth. 180 PROGRESS BY 2030 MISSION 4 AN INNOVATIVE, COMPETITIVE AND The Strategy envisages a more output-focused collaborative innovation system by 2030; with RESILIENT AGRI-FOOD SECTOR, private R&D to reach 1% of turnover; DRIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY AND The agri-food sector should be more competitive TALENT and resilient, and seen as attractive by a young, Goal: An innovation, knowledge and technology driven diverse and talented workforce. sector; with improved competitiveness and resilience Ireland will advocate for Sustainable Food along the food chain; and the attraction and nurturing Systems internationally and for the development of diverse talent. of a recognised SFS measurement or index to Key indicators: supplement and strengthen its vision for 2030. • Level of implementation of the recommendations Ireland’s advocacy that of the High-Level Innovation Team. SFSs are an important part • Level of private R&D. of the deepening strategic relationship between Africa • Availability of public policy supports, including and the EU, and within R&D, access to finance and on competitiveness Ireland’s overall relationship issues specific to the agri-food sector. with Africa. • Development and implementation of a strategy for the agri-food sector on education, skills and talent attraction and retention. • Promotion of food and nutrition security, and SFSs, as an important part of delivering on Ireland’s ambition of achieving the UN aid target of 0.7% of GNI by 2030. 181 III. MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION Monitoring the implementation process the sector or the evolving policy environment, in line with learnings from the implementation of is key to ensuring delivery of the strategy Food Wise 2025. and to facilitate this: • The HLIC should engage with all the key • Implementation will be overseen by a High-Level stakeholders on a regular, planned basis. Implementation Committee (HLIC) chaired • An evaluation of the performance, delivery and by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the impact of the strategy should take place at an Marine, and its key tasks will be to ensure the appropriate stage during its implementation. delivery of the four Missions and to review the annual environmental monitoring report to ensure progress towards achieving the Strategy’s high-level environmental targets, consider any significant environmental effects arising and agree what remedial measures will be put in place should negative environmental trends be identified as a result of implementation of the Strategy, including consultation with relevant authorities in Northern Ireland for effects which may be transboundary, and where appropriate. • While the composition and precise terms of reference of the HLIC should be established by the Minister, each Mission should be considered at least once annually by the HLIC, which may also decide to focus on particular issues or priorities. There should be an annual review of implementation and, where appropriate, the missions, goals and actions may need to be reviewed in light of changing circumstances within 182 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, REVIEW AND REPORTING The preparation of a Strategic Environmental reduce emissions (GHG and ammonia) is limited, and information gaps are identified, these will be Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) ongoing close monitoring is required as part of the next highlighted in order to improve availability of of the Strategy are intended to provide for a high level Strategy. One of the key recommendations made by information to inform future strategies. of protection of the environment during the process the Committee was that any future strategy should – Identify thresholds/targets/trigger levels above of preparing a plan or programme. DAFM proceeded include flexibility to allow for an annual stock-take/ which remedial action is required. voluntarily to the preparation stage of the SEA process. analysis to allow updating of recommendations and – Consider cumulative effects in addition to Screening was conducted for the preparation of an actions to reflect the position as it develops. positive and negative effects. AA and this concluded it was required. In line with The following actions will be implemented: – Determine the frequency of monitoring and best practice, the process for developing the SEA and AA took place in parallel with the development of the • An Environmental Working Sub-Group will be report on findings. Strategy and has informed the content by contributing established to oversee monitoring, review and – In line with the Directive, existing monitoring to the integration of environmental considerations reporting of environmental issues within the arrangements should be used where with a view to promoting sustainable development confines of this Strategy. This group should report appropriate, in order to avoid duplication of (see SEA Directive, Article 1). The SEA and AA, and annually to the HLIC and while its composition monitoring. Synergies with reporting required associated documents, are published separately. should be determined by the Minister, it should under the new CAP and other policies such The focus of this section is on the SEA monitoring include representation from relevant Government as the EU Farm to Fork and Biodiversity requirements. Departments and agencies covering the breadth Strategies should be explored. of environmental issues identified in this Strategy. SEA monitoring should reflect the nature and level of – Strategy-related implementation reports The functions of the group will include: detail of the plan/programme and aim to specifically should be aligned with the environmental – Monitor the indicators as set out in the SEA monitoring required under SEA legislation. This monitor the impact of the Strategy. An effective Statement, including the key environmental will enable the environmental performance of monitoring framework is an essential part of the parameter indicators, set out data sources and the Strategy to be evaluated and allow negative Strategy implementation process. In an effort to identify any additional monitoring indicators trends to be identified early and remedial strengthen monitoring, there is a need to have regard deemed appropriate. action and responsibilities to be determined. to the recommendations from the Food Wise 2025 Environmental Sustainability Committee which – In line with the recommendation of the Food It will also provide for increased transparency expressed concern relating to trends in GHGs, water Wise Environmental Sustainability Committee during implementation. quality, air pollutants and biodiversity indicators. and consultation feedback, indicators should be • Environmental assessment of associated plans and That Committee also identified that future policy outcome focused, activity based and SMART projects should be undertaken in a timely fashion should focus on developing the right measures in (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and where relevant. the right area, while acknowledging that capacity to and Time-bound), where possible. Where 183 ABBREVIATIONS ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ABBREVIATION DEFINITION AA Appropriate Assessment DALYs Disability-adjusted life-years ABC Applied Biotechnology BASE Biodiversity, Agriculture, Soil DECC Department of the Centre and Environment Environment, Climate and Communications ABP Anglo Beef Processors BIM Bord Iacsaigh Mhara DG Director General ACE AgriTech Centre of BMA Biodiversity Managed Area Excellence DPTC Dairy Processing Technology BRIDE Biodiversity Regeneration in Centre ACORNS Accelerating the Creation of a Dairying Environment Rural Nascent Start-ups EBI Economic Breeding Index CAP Common Agricultural Policy AEOS Agri Environment Options EC European Commission CEO Chief Executive Officer Scheme EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone CFP Common Fisheries Policy AHI Animal Health Ireland EGD European Green Deal CMO Common Market AI Artificial Intelligence Organisation EI Enterprise Ireland AKIS Agricultural Knowledge and CO2 Carbon dioxide EIA Environmental Impact Innovation Systems Assessment COP Conference of the Parties AMBER Advanced Materials and EIF European Investment Fund BioEngineering Research CPD Continuing Professional Development EIPs European Innovation AMR Antimicrobial Resistance Partnerships CQA Certified Quality APC Alimentary Pharmabotic Aquaculture EIT European Institute of Centre Innovation and Technology DAERA Department of Agriculture, ASSAP Agricultural Sustainability Environment and Rural EMFF European Maritime and Support and Advice Affairs Fisheries Fund Programme DAFM Department of Agriculture, EPA Environmental Protection Food and Marine Agency 184 ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ESG Environmental, Social and GDP Gross Domestic Product IDA Industrial Development Governance Authority GES Good Environmental Status ESRI Economic and Social IFA Irish Farmers Association GHGs Green House Gases Research Institute IFQA Irish Food Quality Awards GI Geographical Indicators EU European Union IGAS Irish Grain Assurance Scheme GLAS Green , Low-Carbon, Agri- EUMOFA European Market Environment Scheme IMR Irish Manufacturing Research Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture GNI* Modified Gross National iNAP Ireland‘s National Action Income Plan on Antimicrobial F2F Farm to Fork Resistance 2017-2020 GSSI Global Sustainable Seafood FA Food Authenticity Initiative INHFA Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association GVCs Global Value Chains FAO Food and Agriculture IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on HLIC High Level Implementation Organisation Climate Change Committee FFN Farming for Nature IPM Integrated Pest HNV High Nature Value Management FGLS Future Growth Loan Scheme HSE Health Service Executive ISIF Ireland Strategic Investment FHI Food for Health Ireland IBEC Irish Business and Employers Fund FIPS Fishery Improvement Confederation IT Institute of Technology Projects ICMSA Irish Creamery Milk IUU Illegal, unreported and FS Food Safety Suppliers Association unregulated FSAI Food Safety Authority of ICSA Irish Cattle and Sheep KIC Knowledge and Innovation Ireland Farmers Association Community FSS Food Systems Summit ICT Information and KT Knowledge Transfer Communications Technology GAP Global Action Plan 185 ABBREVIATIONS ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ABBREVIATION DEFINITION LAWPRO Local Authority Waters NCPC National Competitiveness PfG Programme for Government Programme and Productivity Council PGI Protected Geographical LEOs Local Enterprise Offices NFS National Farm Survey Indicators LESS Low Emissions Slurry NGOs Non-governmental POs Producer Organisations Spreading Organisations PPPs Plant Protection Products LGBTI+ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, NI Northern Ireland PUFAs Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Transgender and Intersex NPD New Product Development QA Quality Assurance LO Landing Obligation NPWS National Parks and Wildlife R&D Research and Development LULUCF Land Use, Land-Use Change Service and Forestry RDP Rural Development NSMC North South Ministerial Programme MACC Marginal Abatement Cost Council Curve RE Renewable Energy NTMA National Treasury MCPA 2-methyl-4- Management Agency REPS Rural Environment chlorophenoxyacetic acid Protection Scheme NTTRA National Task Team on Rural MNEs Multinational Enterprises Africa SAC Special Area of Conservation MPAs Marine Protected Areas OECD Organisation for Economic SBCI Strategic Banking Co-operation and Corporation of Ireland MSC Management Systems Development SDGs Sustainable Development Certification OIE Office International des Goals MSFD Marine Strategy Framework Epizooties SEA Strategic Environmental Directive OSI Ordinance Survey Ireland Assessment MSP Maritime Spatial Plan PCF Prepared Consumer Food SEAI Sustainable Energy MSY Maximum Sustainable Yield Authority of Ireland PDO Protected Designation of MTI Meat Technology Ireland Origin SEEA System of Environmental- Economic Accounting 186 ABBREVIATION DEFINITION ABBREVIATION DEFINITION SFI Science Foundation Ireland UPROTEIN Unlocking Protein Resource Opportunities To Evolve SFS Sustainable Food Systems Ireland’s Nutrition SMEs Small and medium-sized UTP Unfair Trading Practices enterprises WEF Woodland Environmental SPA Special Protection Area Fund SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary WHO World Health Organisation STI Science, technology and WTO World Trade Organisation innovation YAR Year Assessment Reports TACs Total Allowable Catches TCA Trade and Cooperation Agreement TSG Traditional Specialities Guaranteed TSSG Telecommunications Software and Systems Group UAA Utilisable Agricultural Area UCC University College Cork UCD University College Dublin UK United Kingdom UN United Nations UNDFF United Nations Decade of Family Farming  187 NOTES 188 189