About Us
Our Vision
An innovative and sustainable agri- food sector operating to the highest standards
Our Mission
Serving the government and people of Ireland by leading, developing and regulating the agri-food sector, protecting public health and optimising social, economic and environmental benefits
Our Strategic Goals
• To promote and safeguard public, animal and plant health and animal welfare for the benefit of consumers producers and wider society
• Provide income and market supports to underpin the rural economy and the environment
• Provide the optimum policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector
• Deliver a sustainable, growth driven sector focused on competitiveness and innovation driven by a skilled workforce delivering value added products in line with market demands
• Maintain and develop strategic, operational, regulatory and technical capacity to achieve operational excellence
Our Services
• We formulate national and EU policies to support the strategic development of the agri- food sector
• We regulate the sector to ensure it operates to the highest standards
• We design schemes and deliver supports for the sector, in collaboration with stakeholders
• We seek to be innovative and adaptive in the delivery of our services
Our Values
• A deep-rooted public service ethos of independence, integrity and impartiality
• A strong commitment to diversity, gender equality and the fair and equal treatment of all
• A culture of accountability, transparency, efficiency and value for money
• The highest standards of professionalism, leadership and probity
• We work together to deliver our services effectively and to achieve the most efficient outcomes
Agriculture in Ireland
The agriculture, food manufacturing and marine sectors in Ireland account for:
• 7.5% of GNI* in 2018
• 7.1% of employment in 2019
• 9.5% of total merchandising exports and 11.2% of total merchandising imports in 2019
The Irish Government's commitment to the agri-food sector remains strong. In the Estimate for 2020, the Exchequer is providing €1.6 billion for Programme Expenditure for agriculture, fisheries and food. Total public expenditure will amount to over €3 billion when the Department's Vote is combined with EU funding of €1.5 billion.
