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The successor to Foodwise 2025 is to be published before the end of the year, An Taoiseach Michéal Martin has said.
The strategy will plot the course for the agriculture sector for the next 10 years to 2030.
Speaking at the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) annual conference, An Taoiseach said the strategy would set out the development of a sustainable food system.
It would include environmental, economic and social dimensions.
“The committee will finish their work by the end of the year. And in line with a commitment in the programme for government, the new strategy will be launched and presented to Government thereafter,” he said.
Emissions
A road map to reduce agricultural emissions over the next decade is also being finalised, An Taoiseach said.
It will set out the steps the industry will take to “combat rising carbon emissions from agriculture” while also addressing issues around air, water and biodiversity.
“Our agricultural sector has proved its resilience time and time again during periods of uncertainty, such as market-related challenges, extreme weather-related events and, more recently, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Now with the increased environmental focus set out in the Common Agricultural Policy post-2020 and Farm to Farm strategy, our agricultural sector faces yet another challenge.”
An Taoiseach believed a carefully managed and properly supported response could set the sector on a path to “the most sustainable future for food security for our environment, and for our farmers”.
On the CAP budget, he said it would be maintained at current levels, a key priority for Ireland.
Brexit
Brexit was also a major touch point of the Taoiseach’s address. He urged agribusinesses to prepare for all possible outcomes from the ongoing negotiations with the UK.
“Significant progress has been made in putting in place the necessary infrastructure and resources at our ports and airports, so that we can both fulfil our legal obligations to protect the integrity of the single market, while at the same time ensuring the minimum possible disruption to supply chains and trading arrangements.
“We need the same level of preparations to take place among businesses and companies.”
There would be changes from 1 January he stressed, with customs and SPS checks required on goods imported and exported to the UK.
Hogan
An Taoiseach was also asked if the resignation of former trade commissioner Phil Hogan had damaged relations between Ireland and the European Commission.
He rejected this notion, pointing to the appointment of Mairead McGuinness to an important portfolio of financial services.
On the suspension of serial testing in meat plants, Martin said it would resume next week after a surge in demand for community testing had eased.
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