Food Vision 2030, published in August 2021, is Ireland’s shared stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector. One of the standout aspects of Food Vision is that it has adopted a food systems approach. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be a world leader in sustainable food systems. This means that it will be profitable throughout (economic sustainability), have a positive or neutral impact on the natural environment (environmental sustainability), and have broad based benefits for society (social sustainability).
Food Vision 2030 consists of 22 goals and 218 actions that are grouped around the following four high-level Missions for the sector to work towards:
1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector
2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being
3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted And Valued at Home and Abroad
4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent
Each of these missions are well thought out, with ambitious goals rooted in a strongly practical approach to what needs to be achieved.
Mission 3 is for Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad, with a particular focus on the importance of trade. The measures outlined in this Mission aim to build on Ireland's global reputation as a trusted supplier of high quality, safe, sustainable food to consumers at home and abroad. This Mission has 4 goals, 37 actions and aims to prioritise coherent food and health policies for better health outcomes, to enhance consumer trust in our food system, to create value add through insight, innovation and product differentiation, and to further develop market and trade opportunities both at home and abroad.
Diversifying and developing markets will continue to be a priority. The Committee believes that the sector can reach €21 billion in exports by 2030, an increase of almost 50% on current export value, with this growth driven by a steady growth in export value rather than volume. Food Vision forecasts a dividend from achieving its vision of Ireland being a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems.
Implementation of Food Vision 2030 is underway, with many of its actions commenced. I have already chaired seven meetings of a High Level Implementation Committee. A formal implementation plan was published and identifies stakeholders, deliverables and a timeframe for each of the actions described in the Strategy. The first Food Vision Annual Report detailing progress was published in May 2023. In terms of overall progress, 6 actions are complete, 64 actions have substantial action undertaken, 142 actions have commenced and are progressing, and 6 actions have not yet commenced.
Through the implementation of measures outlined in Food Vision 2030, my Department will continue to ensure adequate supports are in place to assist in the production of safe, high-quality and sustainably produced food.
