Speaking at the IFA Brexit event in Goffs, Minister for Agriculture outlined a plan to increase the footprint of Irish food and drink exports.

The plan will be implemented by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with Bord Bia.

The initiatives to be prioritised will include:

  • Establishment of a high-level market access committee within the Department reporting directly to the Secretary General.
  • The allocation of additional market access resources in the Department.

  • The Department will commission Bord Bia to undertake a market profiling exercise for potential third-country and EU markets for Irish exports.
  • An intensified programme of trade missions to promote Irish food and drink on EU and third-country markets.
  • An immediate review of existing export markets in which conditions of certification present barriers to trade or additional costs for exporters.

  • Increased engagement with the European Commission.
  • The development by the Department of a new dedicated portal website.

    • “Against the background of Brexit, we need to redouble our efforts in this regard,” Creed said. “There have been a number of significant successes in recent times and agri food exports to China, for example, have almost tripled in value to more than €700m since 2010.”