National Strategy Horticulture 2023 to 2027

Food Vision 2030 Action 32 called for the development of a new national horticulture strategy to address the challenges and opportunities to sustain and grow the industry.

Commissioned by Minister Hackett, the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 provides a road map for the horticulture industry, underpinning the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's commitment to the horticulture industry and the many citizens who depend on it.

It is the result of a multi criteria analysis of the actions identified in the KPMG report Opportunities for the Irish Horticulture Sector (published July 2022) in conjunction with further desk research and public and stakeholder consultation through the Horticulture Industry Forum sub-committee which represents the Industry.

The implementation of eight Key Strategic Actions will drive change and growth across all the horticulture industry’s sub sectors and lead to environmental, economic and social sustainability.

The eight Key Strategic Actions are:

1. Strengthen the position of the grower in the marketplace

2. Develop a written charter between growers, consolidators and retailers, and increase consumer demand for local, in season, fresh, quality fruit, vegetables and plants

3. Establish the framework for a permanent non-EEA seasonal workers’ scheme for the horticulture industry to ensure a reliable supply of skilled seasonal workers in the short to medium term while innovation and research into automation is intensified

4. Review horticulture course availability and suitability for a modern dynamic sector, enabling the educational platforms to attract talent that will drive the horticulture sector to realise it's true potential

5. Research and Development for the industry

6. Better data and information for better insights

7. Integrate Horticulture back into the broader Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System

8. Support innovation and diversification

The successful implementation of the strategy will require effective policy and implementation, consistent strong leadership and collaboration between the industry’s stakeholders.

To ensure the strategy remains on track to deliver the industry's shared vision and aligned with the Food Vision 2030 strategy, there will be a mid-term review in 2025. In addition, to hold all stakeholders accountable, each year the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will collate and publish progress on each Key Strategic Action, reporting back to Food Vision 2030's High Level Implementation Committee chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Horticulture Industry Forum and other industry stakeholders.