Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026
Specific Details
Food Vision 2030 - Drystock
Intended results
To review stakeholder feedback on the Food Vision 2030 strategy, focusing on the drystock sector's challenges, opportunities, and policy implications.
Relevance and Progress of Food Vision 2030
• The overarching vision and missions of Food Vision 2030 remain relevant and provide a useful roadmap for sector development.
• Progress has been made, evidenced by increased beef and sheepmeat exports exceeding €4 billion in 2025.
• Some stakeholders feel climate goals are prioritized over producer viability, but all missions are interconnected within a sustainable food systems approach.
• The strategy emphasizes that farming can be both productive and environmentally friendly.
Sector Challenges and Declining Herds
• The sector faces declining suckler herds and sheep flocks despite high animal prices and producer supports.
• Declines are linked to reduced herd sizes, lower factory throughput, and labor shortages, especially in hill farming.
• Current supports may be insufficient or misaligned, with calls for targeted coupled payments and efficiency improvements.
• Sectoral data shows a long-term decrease in herd numbers, with some recent slowing of decline.
Economic Viability and Support Mechanisms
• Stakeholders question the effectiveness of public funding and support schemes in maintaining sector viability.
• There is concern that environmental policies have reduced output without incentivizing increased production.
• Metrics for economic sustainability, such as farm income, are lacking, making progress hard to monitor.
• Future CSP supports, including coupled payments, are considered necessary but will involve trade-offs due to limited budgets.
Market Development and Export Strategies
• Developing new markets remains a priority, with export values rising and herd stabilization showing positive signs.
• Ireland exports most of its beef and sheepmeat, facing global market volatility and competition.
• Market variables include imports, geopolitical conflicts, and consumer demand, affecting prices and supply
• Collaboration across supply chains is recommended to address domestic supply issues and market access.
Innovation, Genetics, and Emissions Reduction
• Progress has been made in genetics and farm management practices to improve productivity and environmental sustainability.
• Emissions reduction efforts focus on methane and nitrous oxide, with research ongoing into marginal gains.
• Improving animal efficiency can increase profitability without expanding herd sizes.
• The sector emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and technological innovation for future readiness.
Conclusions and Future Directions
• The core premise of Food Vision 2030 remains valid, with a focus on economic and environmental sustainability.
• The strategy recognizes the interconnectedness of missions and the need for balanced support.
• Stakeholder engagement and sector deep dives are recommended to refine policies and support mechanisms.
• Funding limitations and policy trade-offs will influence future sector development and support strategies.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Declan Hanrahan IFA Livestock Chair,Tomas Bourke 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)
Brian Purcell
Adviser to Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Martin Heydon
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)