Press release
Minister McConalogue represents Ireland at major UN Food Summit
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD today (26th July) will address a major UN food systems summit on Ireland's role in being one of the global leaders in sustainable food production. The Minister will also outline some of the key measures contained within the new Food Vision 2030 strategy for Ireland's food sector.
“The bedrock of our pioneering and innovative agri-food sector is our farmers, fishers and food producers as well as our processing sector. Each of these are constantly evolving and advancing their ambitions to drive ambition in our sector.
"Ireland has rich history in producing safe, traceable and sustainable food. By taking key steps now, we are ensuring that our future is as bright as our past.
"I am delighted that the Government has approved the publication of the new strategy for the agri-food sector, Food Vision 2030 – A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems. The Strategy, which was developed by a Committee of agri-food stakeholders, envisages a transformational pathway to a position of world leadership in 'Sustainable Food Systems' by dealing with the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. I particularly welcome the food-systems, mission-based approach proposed by the Committee. The report will be officially launched in the coming weeks and I am confident it will be a robust roadmap for our sector for the next decade.
The Strategy is a framework for the agri-food sector that revolves around four high-level missions:
• A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector
• Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Wellbeing
• Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad
• An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Sector, driven by Technology and Talent. These are underpinned by a series of key goals and actions designed to achieve a system-wide transformation over the next 10 years.
Minister McConalogue concluded,
“I travel to Rome to represent everyone of Ireland’s farmers, fishers and food producers at the Pre-Summit of the UN Food Systems Summit, with a message that Ireland’s agri-food sector is committed to the pathway to Sustainable Food Systems. I know that Ireland’s experience of two decades of producing pioneering food strategies, will be of interest internationally.”
Minister McConalogue’s programme, Rome 25-27 July
Sunday 25 July 2021
Arrive Rome late evening
Monday, 26 July 2021
UN Food Systems Pre-Summit, FAO Headquarters
• Participates in opening ceremony and plenary session
• Delivers Ireland’s National Statement
• Speaks at a session on the voice of primary producers towards the food systems of the future
• Bilateral meetings, including with Ireland’s Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Colm O’Floinn, and Bord Bia Milan to discuss Italian market opportunities
Tuesday, 27 July 2021
UN Food Systems Pre-Summit, FAO Headquarters
• Speaks at Ministerial Roundtable on national and regional food systems transformation pathways
• Bilateral meetings, including with leadership of UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the UN World Food Programme
• Departs for Dublin