The Irish Food Industry:World Class Science and industry Expertise

摘要

I am delighted to introduce this special showcase on Ireland. I hope you enjoy this edition and get some insight into the exciting times that we are experiencing within our food and agri sector.The most important indigenous industry in Ireland is the agri-food business. Over 80% of our food and drink production is exported to 125 markets worldwide. Exports of almost $12 billion in 2014 marked a fifth year of growth and 2015 is particularly significant as the abolition of EU quotas on milk production will allow dairy farmers to respond to rising global demand. Ireland will be the first European country to be granted full access for its beef in the US market, a recognition that Ireland's systemof traceability in relation to food production is amongst the highest in the world. These achievements confirm the important role that agri-food companies and producers are playing in Ireland's economic recovery.