About the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Briefing for Ministers 2020