Ireland’s agri-food industry achieved a record export value of €17 billion last year, up five per cent on the previous year. This growth was mainly driven by higher prices in response to cost increases and inflation, although some sectors also saw volume growth.
Dairy remains Ireland’s largest export category, with exports stable at €6.3 billion. Despite adverse weather conditions affecting grass growth, dairy exports remained stable. Key markets for these products included the EU, the UK and the USA.
Meat and livestock exports rose by six percent to €4.3 billion, driven by higher volumes and prices for beef, pork and veal trade. In addition, the drinks industry saw growth of almost twenty percent, with whisky exports increasing by thirteen percent to over €1 billion. Notably, the export value of ready-to-drink beverages tripled to €235 million.
The UK remained the largest market for Irish agricultural products, with exports worth €5.9 billion, up seven per cent. Although the UK's share of total exports has fallen since Brexit, it remains a crucial market.
Irish exports to the EU countries rose by four per cent to also €5.9 billion, with France, Germany and Belgium together accounting for almost 40% of these exports. Trade with North America increased by fourteen per cent to around €2 billion, while exports to Asia and Africa showed mixed results.
Despite these positive figures, the Irish agricultural sector faces significant challenges, particularly in the areas of climate change and sustainability. The sector is responsible for a significant proportion of national greenhouse gas emissions, mainly through methane emissions from livestock. In order to meet climate targets, the Irish government is considering measures such as reducing livestock numbers.
In addition, the Irish government has introduced the National Biomethane Strategy, which allows farmers to play a central role in the production of renewable energy. The aim is to produce 5.7 terawatt hours of biomethane in about six years, around ten percent of current gas consumption.
The outlook for the Irish agri-food industry remains positive, with expectations of further export growth in 2025.