Press release
Irish agri-businesses investing in innovation to compete in international markets in response to Brexit
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Trade, Employment and Business Pat Breen TD today launched the publication of the From Farm to Fork report at the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena on day one of the National Ploughing Championships. The report, in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal, examines the future of the agri-business sector through the lens of innovation, competitiveness and success in winning business in new and emerging markets.
The report highlights Ireland’s prominence among other international countries competing in the agri-tech, agri-engineering and agri-food industries and details the growth across the sector as a whole.
From Farm to Fork profiles 18 Irish businesses, from large multinationals to SMEs right across the agri business sector, including agri-engineering machine manufacturers Abbey Machinery, Dairy Master, JFC and Alltech/Keenan, and quality food processors including Dawn Farm Foods, Kerry, Carberry, Oakpark and Drover Foods.
Launching the report at the National Ploughing Championships, Minister Pat Breen said:
"There have been big developments for the agri-tech industry in the past twelve months including a 16 percent increase in the number of agri-companies in Ireland reporting growth in their business. This is positive and demonstrates that even in the face of uncertainty, it’s a sector that is resilient with room for further prosperity. The From Farm to Fork report aims to highlight and celebrate the agri-food sector in Ireland and the companies supporting this growth; the Irish solutions helping to meet the challenge of feeding the world’s growing population; the importance of innovation, R&D, science and technology for the sector and the impact the sector has on jobs in regional Ireland."
Orla Battersby, Head of Food Division, Enterprise Ireland:
"To assist Irish businesses respond to the challenges associated with Brexit, Enterprise Ireland has a wide range of supports to help client companies focus on enhancing their innovation and competitiveness to further grow their business.
"The companies profiled are at the forefront of industry, demonstrating resilience and global ambition by taking active steps to innovate by adding value through science and technology and competing through lean management as well as investing in new product development to grow exports in international markets."
To launch the From Farm to Fork report in the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships, Minister Pat Breen hosted a panel discussion on how the agri-business industry is evolving for tomorrow’s world which included speakers Anne Smyth from Drover Foods, Padraig Hennessy from Terra Nutritech and Aengus Lacey from Tanco Autowrap - all contributors to the report.
Please download report here: From Farm to Fork.
ENDS
Photography will be issued by SON Photographic.
For further information:
Nicola Corboy, Press and Media Relations, Enterprise Ireland 086 0210114 nicola.corboy@enterprise-ireland.com
Brigid Burke, Press and Media Relations, Enterprise Ireland 087 1803995 brigid.burke@enterprise-ireland.com