Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026
Specific Details
Food Vision 2030 - Dairy
Intended results
To participate in the Food Vision Dairy Group stakeholders meeting.
To review the progress, challenges, and strategic priorities for the Irish dairy sector under Food Vision 2030.
Sector Progress and Challenges
• The Irish dairy sector has made progress, notably reaching €7 billion in exports in 2025.
• Operating environment has changed since 2021, with increased geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility, and environmental pressures.
• Challenges include climate targets, environmental sustainability, and maintaining farm viability amid rising costs.
• Greater emphasis on climate adaptation and resilience is needed alongside mitigation efforts.
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Targets
• Environmental sustainability remains central, with ongoing efforts to improve water quality, biodiversity, and emissions.
• Sector faces significant challenges in meeting long-term climate and environmental targets
• Water quality and Nitrates Derogation are critical for farm viability.
• Innovation and technology adoption are essential for progress in environmental goals.
Competitiveness and Sector Resilience
• Market volatility and rising costs threaten sector competitiveness.
• Supporting farm investment, productivity, and resilience is vital.
• Generational renewal and attracting new entrants, especially women, are strategic priorities.
• Labour shortages and farm succession issues require attention.
Consumer Trust and Market Opportunities
• Ireland's reputation for high-quality, grass-fed dairy is a key market advantage.
• Effective communication on sustainability, provenance, and animal welfare is crucial
• Opportunities exist in high-value, branded, and functional dairy products.
• Maintaining transparency and building consumer trust are ongoing priorities.
Innovation and Future Readiness
• Technological innovation underpins all sector strategies.
• Adoption of digital tools, AI, and precision agriculture can improve productivity and sustainability
• Data governance and ownership are important considerations.
• Collaboration between research, industry, and government is necessary for sector advancement.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Damian McDonald IFA Director General, Áine O'Connell IFA Senior Policy Executive
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (2-5)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Barry Cassidy
Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Bill Callanan
Chief Inspector (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Brian Purcell
Adviser to Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Maria Dunne
Assistant Secretary General (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Martin Heydon
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)