Three in four professionals in the agri-food sector believe that sustainability has become a “catch-all buzzword” and lost meaning, a new survey has found.

The Agricultural Science Association (ASA) and Bord Bia have released the findings of a study on the current challenges facing the industry.

Commenting on the research, ASA president Amii McKeever said that sustainability has become a “much maligned word – trotted out as a catch-all marketing tool, with the result that there is much ambiguity about what it actually means”.

“We need to challenge the concept of a sustainable agri-food industry. I would argue we need to change our language to talk about the need for a viable, renewable and profitable industry which is at the same time economically, environmentally and socially sustainable,” she said.

Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia, said consumer demand is changing the way the agri-food industry approaches product development and communicates our credentials.

“Origin and local produce are top of mind today, with consumers believing knowledge of these enable good food choices,” she said.

Challenges

Some 66% of those surveyed believe that achieving business growth without negative environmental impact is the top challenge facing the Irish food industry, closely followed by the challenge of meeting greenhouse gas emissions (59%).

More than six out of 10 ASA members agree that increasing production while lowering environmental impact is achievable in next five years, however.

Some 73% think Brexit is one of the biggest challenges facing Irish agri-food, with the Mercosur deal which will allow beef imports from Brazil also featuring strongly.

The majority, 69%, agreed that price and income volatility is considered a major challenge for future growth.

Three quarters (73%) of those surveyed believe low farm income is having an impact on the viability of the profession.

Headline speakers

Friday’s ASA conference will be addressed by leading figures from the international agri-food sector, including Phil Hogan, European commissioner for agriculture and rural development and soon to be trade commissioner, and Gregg Doud, chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

The day-long conference will discuss the challenges currently facing the industry and a potential way forward in light of immense global and local trade pressures.