Latest news with #FoodVision2030
Agriland
5 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Eu to Co Fund Bord Bia Beef and Lamb Promotion Campaign
The European Commission is to co-fund a Bord Bia information and promotional campaign for beef and lamb. The 'Sustainable European Beef and Lamb - Trusted Tradition, Technical Excellence' campaign will be funded to the tune of €3.46 million, with €2.77 million of that coming from the EU and some €690,000 coming from Bord Bia. The three-year campaign will promote European beef and lamb over the next three years in China, Japan and Singapore. The objectives of the programme are to develop increased awareness of the "high safety and quality standards" of EU beef and lamb as well as their attributes as natural, nutritional and sustainable products, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said. According to the department, the campaign will highlight the specific features of beef and lamb production methods within the EU and the programmes at farm and processing levels which verify their sustainability. Welcoming the co-funding decision, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said: "I am delighted to see the EU recognition and financial support for this Bord Bia programme on sustainable EU beef and lamb. "This campaign will provide the marketing edge for EU beef and lamb exports to capitalise on the significant market opportunities in China, Japan and Singapore." The minister said that the campaign will ultimately expand these important markets. "The programme will reinforce Europe's ambition to be the global reference for sustainable food production and sustainable nutrition. This ambition is also reflected in Ireland's own stakeholder led strategy for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector, Food Vision 2030," Minister Heydon added. The co-funding was also welcomed by Minister of State for food promotion and new markets Noel Grealish. He said: "The programme gives Bord Bia the opportunity to continue the promotion, development and growth of EU beef and lamb in these key regions. "With current market uncertainty, the importance of on-going market diversification into these key markets cannot be understated. "Growing the presence of EU beef and lamb in China, Japan and Singapore will benefit the sector and this targeted campaign will help develop that growth, while also promoting the nutritional value and sustainability of EU beef and lamb," Minister Grealish added. Chief executive of Bord Bia Jim O'Toole said: "Promotional campaigns that have EU support give EU producers and processors immediate access to some of the top meat buyers in China, Japan and Singapore. "EU co-funded campaigns help Bord Bia to showcase quality products to buyers in these priority markets; develop new relationships between exporters, and local importers and distributors, while also strengthening the business relationships exporters have already developed with stakeholders in these countries," O'Toole added.
Agriland
31-07-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Potential EU sheep milk supply gap but Ireland has 'limited' ability to fill it
EU sheep milk production is expected to decline by 8% by 2030, and with relatively stable demand for it, there is a potential supply gap emerging, according to Bord Bia. However, Ireland's ability to maximise on these opportunities is "limited by our current scale of production and export capability", Bord Bia told Agriland. Seamus McMenamin, Bord Bia sheepmeat and livestock sector manager, said that sheep milk is a "very niche product, and Ireland has little or no history in sheep milk production". It is estimated that there are 1,000 milking ewes nationally, producing 285,000 litres in Ireland. "The majority of sheep milk processed in Ireland is destined for the production of farmhouse cheese and yoghurt," McMenamin said. "Over 95% of this output is consumed domestically, with small volumes exported to the UK and continental Europe. "The Mediterranean region accounts for 14% of world sheep population, and approximately 46% of world sheep milk production." EU sheep milk production is expected to decline by 8% by 2030, Bord Bia said, mainly due to ageing farmers, climate pressures, and profitability issues in Greece, France, and Italy. Bord Bia added that it is "committed to supporting exporters seeking to explore opportunities in export markets that may arise". The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) told Agriland it isn't "directly funding sheep milk production research". However, it has or is currently funding sheep production research across other areas, "including genetics, nutrition, wool, general management under grazing conditions, various health and welfare aspects, and environmental issues", a DAFM spokesperson said. "DAFM supports research and innovation to enable the agri-food and forest sector deliver greater efficiency, sustainability and the development of a strong bioeconomy," the spokesperson said. "It has a variety of funding instruments with which to do this and these are aligned with important policy, legislative and other issues, challenges and trends facing the sector. "The department's research funding is focused on public-good research which reflects the priorities outlined in key documents such as the programme for government, Food Vision 2030, the department's Statement of Strategy, and other high-level national and EU policies. "The scientific specification of the calls reflects these documents." Funding is awarded through competitive open calls for proposals, and only eligible public research performing organisations can receive such funding. DAFM said that the Irish sheep industry is predominantly focused on meat production, with only a "very small percentage" of milking sheep, which are mainly focused on local sheep milk cheese production. "While there are no schemes directly aimed at supporting sheep milk producers, there are a range of schemes which they can avail of under the CAP Strategic Plan including the ACRES and organics schemes," the spokesperson said. "The department provides significant support to the sheep sector under the EU co-funded Sheep Improvement Scheme and through the exchequer-funded 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme." In addition, under TAMS, sheep farmers can apply for capital investment grants for sheep fencing and specific housing investments, sheep handling equipment, EID tag readers and lambing cameras for sheep. "Sheep milk farmers can also apply for capital investment grants for milking machines, water heaters, bulk milk tanks and other dairy investments," DAFM said. "The department has also recently developed a framework approval process for the recognition of producer organisations in both the sheep and dairy sectors. There is associated funding available under the Early Stage Support for Producer Organisations Scheme."
Irish Independent
22-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Why fresh ideas are key to ongoing success of Irish food sector
This is one of the most important and respected industries in the country, supporting over 60,000 high-quality jobs and generating strong exports each year. But consumer expectations are changing fast. People want food that's healthier, more sustainable, and more transparent – and the companies that thrive in the years ahead will be those that respond quickly and innovatively to those demands. Innovation isn't a luxury – it's a necessity. And the sector is responding. New data released at the summit showed that Enterprise Ireland-supported food and drink companies invested €166m in research and development in 2024, with 113 firms each investing more than €100,000. That's a strong step forward. But we know it needs to go farther. Food Vision 2030 sets out a target for privately funded R&D to reach 1pc of turnover across the agri-food sector. That's a bold and important ambition – and meeting it will be essential if we're to remain globally competitive. What stood out most at this year's summit was the power of collaboration. Across the day, we heard from start-ups, scale-ups, researchers, and established brands, all working with agencies like Bord Bia, Teagasc, BIM, FSAI, and our Food Technology Gateways. That joined-up effort is one of Ireland's biggest strengths. We also saw how technology is reshaping food – from AI and precision fermentation to breakthroughs in personalised nutrition, smart manufacturing and sustainable packaging. These aren't just trends; they're real opportunities for Irish companies to lead and grow. And it's not just about technology – it's about mindset. Businesses that build innovation into how they think, hire, plan and invest are the ones best placed to adapt. That point came through clearly in case studies from firms like Keogh's, Lily O'Brien's, Kepak, and West Cork Distillers. At Enterprise Ireland, we're committed to supporting that journey –by funding innovation, connecting companies to research expertise, and helping them scale internationally. The ambition is already there. Now we need to back it with urgency and action. This summit was about momentum – and ensuring that today's challenges become tomorrow's opportunities. With the right investment and collaboration, Ireland can continue to lead in producing high-value, sustainable food for the world.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Meath projects awarded over €33,000 in agri-food tourism funding
The Boyne Valley Food Heroes, the Boyne Valley School of Food Culture (Samhain Festival), and Elmgrove Flower Farm's Daffodil Festival in Gormanston are among 21 projects to benefit from funding under the Department's 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund. Local councillor, Emer Tóibín said: 'These businesses play a vital role in celebrating our landscape, heritage, and local produce, while driving rural enterprise and community connection. Agri-food tourism continues to be a powerful force for good, showcasing the people, places, and unique flavours of Meath, while supporting farmers, food producers, and local artisans.' Speaking on the funding, Minister Heydon said he was delighted to support the successful projects following this year's agri-food tourism tender process. Mr Heydon said: 'The great geographical spread of the projects this year illustrates the interest in the sector, the development of agri-food tourism and its importance to communities throughout the country. Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism.' He added: 'Agri-food tourism in rural areas allows our great food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine. In addition, it provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans to develop their products and services, diversify their businesses, connect with the local community, welcome visitors and improve skills and best practice.' The Meath projects were awarded: Boyne Valley Food Heroes – €13,317 (fully funded), Elmgrove Flower Farm – Daffodil Festival 2026 – €10,000 (part-funded), and Boyne Valley School of Food Culture – Samhain Festival – €10,000 (part-funded) Meanwhile Minister of State with responsibility for Food Promotion, Noel Grealish TD, said: 'The large volume of applications submitted shows the appetite that this sector has for innovative and collaborative ventures in this sphere.'
Agriland
28-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
DAFM: €300,000 awarded to 22 agri-food tourism projects
A farm to fork experience, food festival and a farmers market are among 22 local agri-food tourism projects that have received around €300,000 in funding, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) announced today (Wednesday, May 28). The funding is being made available under the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund operated by DAFM. The fully funded projects include: Cromane Seafest, Co. Kerry which received €25,000; Wildacres Honey Tour, Co. Wicklow which received €14,630; Inishturk Community Club – Taste of Inishturk, Co. Mayo which received €16,800; Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Tory Hill House Farm Shop, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick which received €6,458; Boyne Valley Food Heroes, Co. Meath which received €13,317; Taste of Sligo Food Festival, Sligo Town which received €10,500; Oakfield Park, Raphoe, Co. Donegal – Donegal Festival of Food which received €23,689; Kildare Co. Council Naas Farmers Market which which received €17,650; Hinterland West CLF, Clonbur, Co. Galway – Farm to Food Experience which received €9,884; Lough Gur Visitor Centre Food and Craft Experience, Bruff, Co. Limerick which received €24,000; Stephen Pratt Maize Maze, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois which received €23,800; Mount Briscoe Organic Farm, Daingean, Co. Offaly – A taste of the land which received €15,400. According to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, (DAFM) Martin Heydon, these initiatives 'build on progress already made' to promote agri-food tourism in different counties. Minister Heydon said: 'The great geographical spread of the projects this year illustrates the interest in the sector, the development of agri-food tourism and its importance to communities throughout the country. 'Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism.' DAFM The projects partly funded by DAFM include: Cavan County Council (Cavan Food Network) which received €10,000; Destination Lough Derg (Tipperary County Council) which received €10,000; Kilkenny County Council (Taste Kilkenny) which received €10,000; Monaghan County Council (Food Destination Promotion) which received €10,000; Taste Experiences Waterford which received €10,000; Elmgrove Flower Farm, Gormanstown, Co. Meath – Daffodil Festival 2026 which received €10,000; Boyne Valley School of Food Culture, Co. Meath – Samhain Festival which received €10,000; Ailbhe Gerard, Field Exchange, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary – Food and Craft Festival which received €10,000; Tipperary Food Producers Network – Food Tourism which received €10,000; Common Knowledge Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare – Land and Lore events which received €10,000. According to MInister Heydon, agri-food tourism in rural areas allows 'great food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history, and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine'. 'In addition, it provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans to develop their products and services, diversify their businesses, connect with the local community, welcome visitors and improve skills and best practice,' he added. Separately the Minister of State with responsibility for food promotion, Noel Grealish, said that the large volume of applications submitted for funding 'shows the appetite that this sector has for innovative and collaborative ventures in this sphere'. 'The competition for funding under this programme is intense and those who were successful should be congratulated for their proposals and their upcoming projects,' the minister added.
