Latest news with #FoodVision2030
Irish Independent
22-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Why fresh ideas are key to ongoing success of Irish food sector
This is one of the most important and respected industries in the country, supporting over 60,000 high-quality jobs and generating strong exports each year. But consumer expectations are changing fast. People want food that's healthier, more sustainable, and more transparent – and the companies that thrive in the years ahead will be those that respond quickly and innovatively to those demands. Innovation isn't a luxury – it's a necessity. And the sector is responding. New data released at the summit showed that Enterprise Ireland-supported food and drink companies invested €166m in research and development in 2024, with 113 firms each investing more than €100,000. That's a strong step forward. But we know it needs to go farther. Food Vision 2030 sets out a target for privately funded R&D to reach 1pc of turnover across the agri-food sector. That's a bold and important ambition – and meeting it will be essential if we're to remain globally competitive. What stood out most at this year's summit was the power of collaboration. Across the day, we heard from start-ups, scale-ups, researchers, and established brands, all working with agencies like Bord Bia, Teagasc, BIM, FSAI, and our Food Technology Gateways. That joined-up effort is one of Ireland's biggest strengths. We also saw how technology is reshaping food – from AI and precision fermentation to breakthroughs in personalised nutrition, smart manufacturing and sustainable packaging. These aren't just trends; they're real opportunities for Irish companies to lead and grow. And it's not just about technology – it's about mindset. Businesses that build innovation into how they think, hire, plan and invest are the ones best placed to adapt. That point came through clearly in case studies from firms like Keogh's, Lily O'Brien's, Kepak, and West Cork Distillers. At Enterprise Ireland, we're committed to supporting that journey –by funding innovation, connecting companies to research expertise, and helping them scale internationally. The ambition is already there. Now we need to back it with urgency and action. This summit was about momentum – and ensuring that today's challenges become tomorrow's opportunities. With the right investment and collaboration, Ireland can continue to lead in producing high-value, sustainable food for the world.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Meath projects awarded over €33,000 in agri-food tourism funding
The Boyne Valley Food Heroes, the Boyne Valley School of Food Culture (Samhain Festival), and Elmgrove Flower Farm's Daffodil Festival in Gormanston are among 21 projects to benefit from funding under the Department's 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund. Local councillor, Emer Tóibín said: 'These businesses play a vital role in celebrating our landscape, heritage, and local produce, while driving rural enterprise and community connection. Agri-food tourism continues to be a powerful force for good, showcasing the people, places, and unique flavours of Meath, while supporting farmers, food producers, and local artisans.' Speaking on the funding, Minister Heydon said he was delighted to support the successful projects following this year's agri-food tourism tender process. Mr Heydon said: 'The great geographical spread of the projects this year illustrates the interest in the sector, the development of agri-food tourism and its importance to communities throughout the country. Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism.' He added: 'Agri-food tourism in rural areas allows our great food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine. In addition, it provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans to develop their products and services, diversify their businesses, connect with the local community, welcome visitors and improve skills and best practice.' The Meath projects were awarded: Boyne Valley Food Heroes – €13,317 (fully funded), Elmgrove Flower Farm – Daffodil Festival 2026 – €10,000 (part-funded), and Boyne Valley School of Food Culture – Samhain Festival – €10,000 (part-funded) Meanwhile Minister of State with responsibility for Food Promotion, Noel Grealish TD, said: 'The large volume of applications submitted shows the appetite that this sector has for innovative and collaborative ventures in this sphere.'
Agriland
28-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
DAFM: €300,000 awarded to 22 agri-food tourism projects
A farm to fork experience, food festival and a farmers market are among 22 local agri-food tourism projects that have received around €300,000 in funding, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) announced today (Wednesday, May 28). The funding is being made available under the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund operated by DAFM. The fully funded projects include: Cromane Seafest, Co. Kerry which received €25,000; Wildacres Honey Tour, Co. Wicklow which received €14,630; Inishturk Community Club – Taste of Inishturk, Co. Mayo which received €16,800; Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Tory Hill House Farm Shop, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick which received €6,458; Boyne Valley Food Heroes, Co. Meath which received €13,317; Taste of Sligo Food Festival, Sligo Town which received €10,500; Oakfield Park, Raphoe, Co. Donegal – Donegal Festival of Food which received €23,689; Kildare Co. Council Naas Farmers Market which which received €17,650; Hinterland West CLF, Clonbur, Co. Galway – Farm to Food Experience which received €9,884; Lough Gur Visitor Centre Food and Craft Experience, Bruff, Co. Limerick which received €24,000; Stephen Pratt Maize Maze, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois which received €23,800; Mount Briscoe Organic Farm, Daingean, Co. Offaly – A taste of the land which received €15,400. According to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, (DAFM) Martin Heydon, these initiatives 'build on progress already made' to promote agri-food tourism in different counties. Minister Heydon said: 'The great geographical spread of the projects this year illustrates the interest in the sector, the development of agri-food tourism and its importance to communities throughout the country. 'Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism.' DAFM The projects partly funded by DAFM include: Cavan County Council (Cavan Food Network) which received €10,000; Destination Lough Derg (Tipperary County Council) which received €10,000; Kilkenny County Council (Taste Kilkenny) which received €10,000; Monaghan County Council (Food Destination Promotion) which received €10,000; Taste Experiences Waterford which received €10,000; Elmgrove Flower Farm, Gormanstown, Co. Meath – Daffodil Festival 2026 which received €10,000; Boyne Valley School of Food Culture, Co. Meath – Samhain Festival which received €10,000; Ailbhe Gerard, Field Exchange, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary – Food and Craft Festival which received €10,000; Tipperary Food Producers Network – Food Tourism which received €10,000; Common Knowledge Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare – Land and Lore events which received €10,000. According to MInister Heydon, agri-food tourism in rural areas allows 'great food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history, and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine'. 'In addition, it provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans to develop their products and services, diversify their businesses, connect with the local community, welcome visitors and improve skills and best practice,' he added. Separately the Minister of State with responsibility for food promotion, Noel Grealish, said that the large volume of applications submitted for funding 'shows the appetite that this sector has for innovative and collaborative ventures in this sphere'. 'The competition for funding under this programme is intense and those who were successful should be congratulated for their proposals and their upcoming projects,' the minister added.
Agriland
22-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Heydon: ‘Planning underway for trade mission to China this year'
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has told the Dáil that his department is planning a 'significant trade mission' to China in late autumn (2025). In response to a question from Fine Gael TD, John Clendennen this week (May 2025), the minister also confirmed that he will attend 'trade receptions' in London and Paris. Next month (June 2025), Minister Heydon will travel to Japan and South Korea, where will he attend the Seoul Foods Expo, the fourth largest food exhibition in Asia. Last month (April 2025), the minister led a visit to the US in collaboration with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. Minister Heydon said: 'During this visit, which included Washington DC, Kentucky and Chicago, I participated in 11 promotion events as well as key political meetings with senior US political representatives, including my counterpart, Brooke Rollins, the secretary of the US Department of Agriculture.' Minister Heydon Deputy Clendennen told the minister that the success of the agri-food sector 'did not come about by accident', He said: 'It came about through strategic planning, investment and branding, marketing and promotion. We need to reassure the sector that that will continue long into the future. 'I see three strands on which we need to focus. Promoting Irish produce overseas is certainly one of them. We need to see how we can further assist food producers. We also need to encourage Irish supermarkets to stock more Irish produce where possible.' The minister explained that Food Vision 2030, the shared strategy for the agri-food sector, is aiming to increase the value of exports of sustainably produced high quality Irish food and beverages globally. According to Minister Heydon, agri-food export value reached a record €19.26 billion in 2024. He said: 'When other countries talk about tariffs and changes to our trade flow, it probably brings a focus in this country from people who do not always recognise that we export 90% of the food and drink we produce. 'It is highly sought after at home and abroad. Any interruptions to that trade have impacts.' 'Given our dependence on the agri-food sector in regard to exports, trade and market diversification, it is a key priority for my department and myself,' Minister Heydon explained.
Agriland
19-05-2025
- Science
- Agriland
DAFM policy leader receives Walsh Scholars Alum Award
A former PhD student whose work has helped shape Ireland's agri-food policy has been honoured with the 2025 Walsh Scholars Alum Award. Dr. Karl Walsh, head of the Research, Bioeconomy and Codex Division at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), received the award at a ceremony in Teagasc Ashtown in recent days. The Walsh Scholars Alum Award recognises outstanding graduates of the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme who have gone on to make a meaningful impact in agriculture, food, and rural development at national or international level. Teagasc Walsh Scholars The Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme provides scholarship opportunities for postgraduate students to pursue a PhD while carrying out research in collaboration with Teagasc and its partner universities and higher education institutions. The programme has had over 1,300 graduates to date. Dr. Walsh, who previously worked as an agricultural attaché in Paris and helped lead the development of Food Vision 2030 – Ireland's national agri-food strategy – said the Teagasc programme had a lasting influence on his career. 'Being a Walsh Scholar was a turning point in my career. Along with strong scientific and analytical skills, it also gave me the confidence and connections I needed for a career in the public service,' Walsh explained. 'What makes this programme special is how it connects research with the everyday issues facing farmers, food producers, and rural communities.' He has encouraged current Walsh Scholars to consider a career in the agri-food sector and to utilise their skillset to contribute to addressing the complex challenges and exciting innovation opportunities it faces. He also emphasised their role in communicating science to the public. Head of research development and Walsh Scholars at Teagasc, Jane Kavanagh praised Dr. Walsh's leadership and example: 'Our alumni demonstrate the lasting value of the Walsh Scholars Programme. 'Dr. Walsh is a perfect example of how the experience gained as a Walsh Scholar translates into leadership, innovation, and public impact. 'His career is a reminder to current and future Walsh Scholars of what's possible – and of the powerful role research can play in shaping policy, people, and progress.' Established in 2018, the Walsh Scholars Alum Award celebrates alumni who exemplify the values of the programme and go on to make a lasting difference through their work in research, policy, or practice.
