The strength and reputation of Ireland’s agri-tech sector means employment can be created across rural and urban Ireland, according to Enterprise Ireland’s senior regional development executive for midlands and mideast James Maloney.

Maloney believes that the reputation of Irish engineering is growing rapidly and is developing a stronger global export presence, which will inevitably lead to more jobs.

“The Enterprise Ireland buyers who visit are impressed with the build quality and the development of new Irish machines.

“In truth, Ireland is unique from other countries, as the climate and terrain are ideal to grass production. This in turn has led to world-class manufacturing in Ireland of forage equipment and the dairy engineering industry,” he said.

Eighteen Irish companies took part in Agritechnica this year in Hanover, Germany. This is the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery. Seven of these used the Enterprise Ireland stand. The other 11 had stands of their own.

With over 450,000 visitors, this provides a good platform for the Irish to showcase their products on the world stage.

“This provides a great base for Irish companies and will help contribute to Enterprise Ireland’s strategic objective of supporting clients in delivering 60,000 new jobs and an additional €5bn exports from 2017 until 2020 for Ireland.”