This is according to the sixth annual Global Food Security Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The report, which was released on Tuesday, outlined Ireland as improving its food affordability, availability, quality and safety.

Ireland finished on a score of 79.9 out of 100, ahead of Austria in second with a score of 77.6.

The United States, which previously topped the list, finished in fourth.

France and Germany came in third and fifth place, respectively, in the world’s most food-secure nations.

The UK, Canada and Denmark also featured in the top 10.

The criteria

The report was based on four criteria which included affordability, availability, quality and safety.

Ireland’s biggest strengths

The report identified the following as Ireland’s biggest strengths, with all scoring 100 except for safety which was 98.2.

  • Nutritional standards.
  • Presence of food safety net programmes.
  • Access to financing for farmers.
  • Urban absorption capacity.
  • Proportion of population under global poverty line.
  • Food safety.

    • The report was also heavily based on Government support for agricultural research, which weighed in Ireland’s favour.

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