€19bn in agri-food exports shows 'resilience' of sector in a challenging year
Ireland is currently the eighth largest dairy exporter in the world, exporting 90% of our dairy products at a value of €6.9bn, with both butter and cheese exceeding €1bn.
The agri-food sector had a record €19bn worth of exports in 2022, showing its "adaptability and resilience" in what was a very challenging year, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said.
This was a 22% increase on 2021 export figures.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has published its Annual Review and Outlook for 2023, which underlines the value of the agriculture, food, and marine sectors to the overall national economy.
Some of the report's findings include that Ireland exported more than €1bn each of fresh or chilled beef, butter, cheese, and whiskey in 2022.
Ireland is currently the eighth largest dairy exporter in the world, exporting 90% of our dairy products at a value of €6.9bn, with both butter and cheese exceeding €1bn.
An additional 90,000 tonnes of cereals were produced in 2022.
The estimated value of horticulture output at farm-gate in 2022 was €531m.
The value of Irish seafood exports has increased for the second year in a row, growing by €33m, from €609m to €642m in 2022.
164,900 are employed in the agri-food sector, making up 6.5% of total employment.
The average family farm income for 2022 was €45,809, a record year, up by 32% on 2021, the report said, however, farmers came up against very high input costs.
Agriculture greenhouse gas emissions decreased in 2022 by 1.2% or 0.29 Mt of CO2 equivalent, compared to 2021.
Minister Charlie McConalogue said that the "critical importance" of the agri-food sector, which is our largest and most important indigenous exporting sector, can be seen in this report.
"Despite the many challenges faced in the last number of years by our farmers and fishers, food producers, processors, and the food distribution chain, the sector has demonstrated its adaptability and resilience to continue to deliver safe and nutritious food for Irish and international markets," Mr McConalogue said.
"This is evidenced by the rise in value of agri-food exports last year, to a record €19bn, which represents an increase of 76% over the past decade, largely driven by value rather than volume."
The food, drink, and primary production sector accounted for 40% of all export sales by Irish-owned companies, directly supporting 165,000 jobs, or 6.5% of total employment, predominantly in rural and coastal communities, according to the minister.
"This significant domestic economic footprint, including its export profile, reflects the natural comparative advantages of Irish production and a long agricultural tradition," he said.
"We have huge ambition to be a world leader in sustainable food systems and there is proven demand for food produced to our high standards.
"I believe that as global demand for food increases, there are vast opportunities for the sector on its value-driven production trajectory."
