food loc al wise 2025roots global reach · ireland’s agri-food industry needs, now hlic...

Steps to Success2018

Food Wise 2025LOCAL ROOTS GLOBAL REACH

A 10-year vision for the Irish agri-food industry

“Our growth in the natural food production sector has been driven by the quality appeal of the food produced here with its low environmental footprint, strict traceability and animal welfare criteria.”

Food Wise 2025: Steps to Success 2018 1

CONTENTSMinister’s foreword 2Progress to date 4Food Wise 2025 Projections 5Food Wise 2025 Summary of Actions for Year 3 6Target Achieved Actions 8Brexit Response 13Achievements in the past 12 months 21Update and Progress on the Five Themes of Food Wise 2025 26Sustainability 29Food Wise Conference: Challenge, Ambition, Opportunity 41Updates on Steps to Success 2017 44Key priorities for 2018/2019 under the five themes 46Three Key Actions for 2018/2019 48Working Collaboratively 49Update on the sectors 52Innovation & Growth 53Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) 62Case Studies 65

Food Wise 2025: Steps to Success 20182

MINISTER’S FOREWORD

I am pleased to introduce the third annual progress report of Food Wise 2025.

Since its launch in July 2015, Food Wise 2025 has served both as a high level strategy

and a shared blueprint for all involved in the sector. Its recommendations have been reflected in Government policies including the Programme for Partnership Government, the Action Plan for Rural Development, the Action Plan for Jobs, Regional Action Plans for Jobs, the trade strategy, Ireland Connected and ‘Global Ireland’ - Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025.

The Food Wise Conference, Challenge, Ambition, Opportunity that I hosted last December provided a forum to review progress to date, understand the significant challenges ahead, in particular Brexit and environmental (including climate, water and biodiversity) challenges, and renew the

Government’s commitment to provide an enabling environment for the sustainable growth of the sector.

Ireland’s reputation for natural food production is a critical factor in our success. Our growth in the sector has been driven by the quality appeal of the food produced here with its low environmental footprint, strict traceability and animal welfare criteria. We adhere to high benchmarks and as a result, we provide safe, traceable and sustainable food.

Global temperatures are increasing and we need to find a way to address that while not threatening food production. Ireland is facing a critical challenge in terms of meeting the GHG emission reduction targets and other climate related obligations. While the agri-food sector has taken important steps to break the link between emissions intensity and food production, more needs to be done.

Challenges also bring opportunities. We want to go beyond merely seeking compliance with regulations and deliver a truly sustainable agricultural sector in Ireland. We need to make sure that while we continue to have success economically, that we manage it in an environmentally sustainable manner.

My focus in the year ahead is to support the agri-food sector (including forestry and fishing) in continuing its vital contribution to the Irish economy, economically, socially and environmentally. While

the industry is currently facing significant challenges, the sector’s resilience in times of challenge should not be underestimated. The challenges posed by Brexit makes the actions proposed in Food Wise 2025 all the more relevant, including those in relation to competitiveness, innovation and market diversification.

Concerns in relation to the impact on the agri-food sector are at the top of the Government’s Brexit agenda. Our ongoing consultation with stakeholders, together with our engagement with UK, Northern Ireland and EU counterparts, will be informed by the need to have the implications for the agri-food sector understood and taken account of as the negotiations unfold.

We are also leading an intensified programme of trade missions and other initiatives aimed at opening new markets and developing existing markets for Irish agri-food exports, with supports from all the State agencies involved.

The implementation of Food Wise is driven by a High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), which I chair and involving senior officials from relevant Departments and the CEOs of the State agencies. It ensures joined-up Government action, and also provides a platform for those bodies to meet collectively with industry representatives. The HLIC also ensures that Food Wise implementation


is a live and dynamic process. Food Wise, like its predecessors, is a process as much as a product, responding to changing circumstances while remaining loyal to the core vision and objectives of the plan itself.

I stated at the Conference in December that I intended to lead a step up in the work of the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee. This includes having at least seven HLIC meetings this year alone.

Progress on each of the recommendations in Food Wise is measured on a quarterly basis. Of the 417 actions in Food Wise 2025, 375 were due to commence by 2018 or are ongoing actions. Of these 375 actions, 74% have been achieved or substantial action has been undertaken and a further 26% have commenced and are progressing well. This shows good progress but I will press on in getting as many actions as possible complete within the next year. A detailed report on the status of Year Three actions is available on the Department’s website at https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/foodwise2025/

Looking forward to the remainder of this year, I am committed to continuing to building on the progress of the achievements of Food Wise 2025 to date. I recently announced the opening of the Chinese beef market to exports from Ireland. The opening of this key market presents an excellent opportunity for the

Irish beef sector, from farmers through to processors, in line with the market development theme of our Food Wise strategy.

Increasingly central to market access is our commitment to Sustainability. Food Wise recognises this and delivering on our environmental obligations through initiatives such as our Sustainability Advisory Programme and investment in Agri-Environment are critical. Whilst contributing through sustainable food production systems, afforestation and energy displacement, addressing emissions will become an increasing focus in the period ahead.

Other highlights for the next year include Teagasc and the dairy industry completing the €10 million upgrade of Moorepark Technology Limited pilot plant, successful outcomes of the high level innovation team and planning for the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

I believe that Ireland is well positioned to be the world leader in sustainable food production, provided that we take the necessary actions to support this objective. Notwithstanding shorter term uncertainty arising from Brexit and ongoing CAP negotiations, there are future opportunities and options for all stakeholders; farmers and rural Ireland, processors and manufacturers, agri-business and exporters; and the sector will continue to play a pivotal role in our economy. Ireland’s agri-food industry needs, now

HLIC Membership

more than ever, to take steps to build and enhance its reputation for safe, sustainable and healthy food in order to move further up the value chain. Food Wise 2025 is the driver for this ambition to be achieved.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you who have worked so hard to ensure our success so far. I encourage you all to continue to work together and I look forward to working with you over the next 12 months as we continue to deliver on the actions and projections outlined in Food Wise 2025.

Michael Creed, TD Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine


PROGRESS TO DATEThree years on from the publication and launch of Food Wise 2025 in July 2015, is an opportune time to review the progress that has been achieved in year three and set out a decisive and achievable plan of action for the next 12 months.

Food Wise 2025 is a strategy developed by stakeholders from all aspects of the agri-food sector setting out in detail a ten-year plan for the development of the agri-food sector. It underlines the sector’s unique position within the Irish economy, and it illustrates the potential which exists for this sector to grow even further. Food Wise 2025 sets a course for the industry of smarter, greener and more sustainable growth over the next decade. It specifically states that ‘environmental protection and economic competitiveness are equal and complimentary: one cannot be achieved at the expense of the other’.

The theme of Food Wise 2025 is “Local Roots, Global Reach”, reflecting the importance of gaining a deep understanding of what consumers, often in distant markets and communicating those messages back to Irish farmers and food companies. Equally important is to communicate key messages about what makes Irish food unique to the international market.

The HLIC has met five times over the past year with each meeting chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The HLIC is committed to a robust implementation process to monitor progress and deliver on the ambitious projections in Food Wise 2025. To aid the HLIC, an Environmental Sustainability Subgroup and a Meat Implementation Group have been established to monitor and drive the implementation of the sustainability and meat actions.


FOOD WISE 2025 PROJECTIONS

BY 2025A 85% increase in exports to €19 billion

A 65% increase in primary production value to €10 billion

A 70% increase in the sectors value addition to the economy to over €13 billion

The creation of 23,000 additional jobs all along the supply chain from producer level to high-end value added product development

2017 UPDATEExports: + 15.9% Primary production: +8.9%Employment: The CSO’s Labour Force Survey

(LFS) has replaced the Quarterly National

Household Survey (QNHS) which has resulted in a

recalculation of employment figures. The agri-food

sector continues to make a significant contribution

to employment at national and regional levels

accounting for 174,400 (7.9%) of total employment based on the

2017 average

2025GROWTH PROJECTIONS


FOOD WISE 2025 SUMMARY OF ACTIONS FOR YEAR 3

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Food Wise 2025 Summary of Actions for Year 3

Target AchievedSubstantial action undertaken and ongoingAction commenced and progressingAction at commencement stage

Food Wise 2025 Sustainability Summary for Year 3


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60

Food Wise 2025 Human Capital Summary for Year 3


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Food Wise 2025 Market Development Summary for Year 3


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Food Wise 2025 Competitiveness Summary for Year 3


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“The focus for the year ahead is to support the agri-food sector (including forestry and fishing) in continuing its vital contribution to the Irish economy, economically, socially and environmentally.”

Food Wise 2025 Sectoral Summary For Year 3

Target AchievedSubstantial action undertaken and ongoingAction commenced and progressingAction at commencement stageAction not yet commenced

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Food Wise 2025 Innovation Summary for Year 3



TARGET ACHIEVED ACTIONSYEAR THREE SUSTAINABILITY 12 ACHIEVED ACTIONS

ACTION 2

� Food Security and role of forestry acknowledged in supporting sustainable development pathway (COP 21). DAFM Participated in UNFCCC SBSTA workshops relating to agriculture at the Bonn Climate Change Conference through the EU AFOLU group. Work programme under SBSTA agreed.

ACTION 7

� Updated Teagasc NFS Environmental Sustainability Indicators published.

ACTION 23

� Origin Green Sustainability Report published with updated with Sustainability Charter and launched during Global Sustainability Forum.

ACTION 28

� Teagasc NMP Online tool fully developed with 40,000 GLAS and Derogation plans. Available under https://nmp.teagasc.ie.

ACTION 30

� Sustainable Farming in the Environment is now a mandatory module on Teagasc full-time, part-time and distance education programmes.

ACTION 31

� Teagasc fertilizer recommendation Green Book published containing soil specific nutrient advice.

ACTION 50

� Rural Development Programme target on uptake of GLAS (The Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme) achieved ahead of schedule. Ongoing management of participation in this five year scheme.

ACTION 54

� Over 29,700 participants in Beef Data and Genomics Programme. Sustained information campaigns being issued regularly to farmers with a view to mitigate GHG emissions, improve production efficiency and herd quality for sucklers sector.

ACTION 408

� Origin Green’s performance review programmes report published and analysed annually.

ACTION 412

� Greenhouse gas emissions arising from agriculture published in April 2017.

ACTION 414

� Report on changes in cropping patterns an permanent pastures completed in Q4 2017.

ACTION 415

� Annual workshops organised: Grassland Symposium ‘The Role of Sustainable Grassland in Food Wise 2025’ held on the 14 September 2017 where relevant stakeholders discussed impacts arising from expansion of agricultural activities and developed mitigation measures.


YEAR THREE

HUMAN CAPITAL 6 ACHIEVED ACTIONS

ACTION 70

� An applied leaving certificate course in agriculture is now available http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/Curriculum-and-Syllabus/Senior-Cycle-/Syllabuses-

ACTION 75

� Over 320 new KT Beef Groups are now being facilitated by Teagasc advisers. Demonstration Farms in operation in Grange & Athenry. Farm improvement Plan Implemented.

ACTION 76

� Third phase of the Better Farm Beef challenge is implemented with 27 selected farms who continue to transfer knowledge on management and breeding to wider population of beef farmers.

ACTION 84

� KT Tillage scheme including integrated Pest Measure have been rolled out in tillage and horticulture sectors.

ACTION 85

� KT Tillage Groups run by facilitators from the malting barley sector in operation.

ACTION 87

� Future skills in the Food and Drinks Sector report launched (available at http://www.skillsireland.ie/Publications/2017/Update-on-Future-Skills-Needs-in-the-Food-and-Drink-Sector-2017.pdf)

YEAR THREE

COMPETITIVENESS 4 ACHIEVED ACTIONS

ACTION 119:

� The ‘Fisher tax credit’ introduced by the Finance Act 2016 of €1,270 is now available

ACTION 126:

� Irregularity in the supply of seed mussels in the bottom grown mussel sector have been overcome by successful trials of transplantations of seed mussel by artificial means.

ACTION 131:

� Scalable HPSU Technical Feasibility Offer now available for all HPSU able to create 50 new jobs within three years of establishment in order to be eligible to apply for the grant of up to €450,000 (max. 50%).

ACTION 144:

� ACORNS programme (Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-ups) designed to support female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland in operating with 134 participants.


ACTION 198

� Website for Innovation for food and beverage companies developed under www.smartfoodireland.com

ACTION 200

� Meat Technology Centre (MTC) launched and operational.

ACTION 204

� DAFM has committed to partner with Irish Research Centre in the employment based Research programme and has funded two new awards totalling €72,000.

YEAR THREE

MARKET DEVELOPMENT 3 ACHIEVED ACTIONS

ACTION 164:

� Charters for retail and food service developed with Origin Green Programme expanded to retail and food service.

ACTION 176:

� Strategies controlling sea lice infestation on salmon farms developed (transfer of Lumpsucker sea lice cleaning fish to various marine salmon sites).

ACTION 179:

� Strategic Review of the Laboratories capacity to ensure effectiveness to address potential disease outbreak or food scares completed.

YEAR THREE

INNOVATIONS 7 ACHIEVED ACTIONS

ACTION 182

� State-of-the-art Consumer Research Centre (Thinking House) has been launched on 28.09.2016 and is fully operational.

ACTION 187

� The High Level Innovation Team established in May is currently reviewing agri-food sector innovation capacity to better market that innovation capability and drive insights on the innovation benefits.

ACTION 195

� Proposals for Food Innovation Hub developed at Moorepark campus with approved funding of €8.8 million by DAFM.

ACTION 196

� Extensive research under projects such as APC, FHI, and Nutramara.


YEAR THREE

SECTORAL 14 ACHIEVED ACTIONS

ACTION 206: DAIRY

� Soil fertility is now central pillar of Grass10 campaign.

ACTION 231, 241, 252: BEEF

� Over 5,000 Teagasc livestock beef clients and over 2,000 livestock sheet clients approved in the KT Programme facilitated by Teagasc advisers.

� Sectoral indicator of estimates of income after accounting for owned labour published in conjunction with the NFS enterprise analysis for Irish dairy farms.

� Establishment of the Meat Technology Centre

ACTION 272: SHEEPMEAT

� Better Farm Sheep Programme reviewed with recommendations for Action plan for Sheep being implemented.

ACTION 290: PIGMEAT

� A new €3.5 million pig research facility opened on 19.05.2017 in Teagasc Moorepark.

ACTION 303: POULTRY

� Sustainability criteria under the Origin Green programme incorporated into the PPQAS.

ACTION 316: CEREALS/TILLAGE

� Recommended lists of certified seeds available for growers to ensure superior crop varieties.

ACTION 328: HORTICULTURE

� Over 90% of the plant protection product authorisations utilises the mutual EU recognition process. DAFM is promoting ongoing mutual recognition though REFIT evaluation of the EU legislation.

ACTION 341, 344: PCF

� PCF definition aligned between Industry and government agencies which results in availability of trade data on a timely basis.

� Competition and Consumer Protection Bill implemented.

ACTION 358, 360: ALCOHOL AND BEVERAGES

� Sectoral strategy for food and drink SME’s developed & is being implemented by Bord Bia.

� Category Structure Report Published by Bord Bia that is a ‘how-to’ manual of the US target market.

ACTION 380: SEAFOOD

� Report of the Aquaculture Licensing Review has been published and its central recommendation to clear the backlog of licence application in 2018/2019 is being implemented.


UK€5,168.5 million

UNITED STATES€1,125.5 million

CHINA(incl. Hong Kong & Macao) €974.2 million

NETHERLANDS€913.1 million

FRANCE€875 million

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8

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GERMANY€753.4 million

ITALY€367.7 million

BELGIUM€291.1 million

SPAIN€277.6 million

POLAND€171 million

SWEDEN€163.6 million

SAUDI ARABIA€152.2 million

DENMARK€139.2 million

NIGERIA€130.8 million

CANADA€104.7 million

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13

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18

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20

JAPAN€94.5 million

AUSTRALIA€83.7 million

PHILIPPINES€83 million

SOUTH AFRICA€82.2 million

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES€77.9 million

GRAND TOTAL:

€13,564,077million

Source: CSO Trade Statistics 2017.

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1612 20

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32

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9

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13

7

106

5

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Value of Irish agri-food exports, 2017 and top 20 destinations


BREXIT RESPONSEConcerns in relation to the impact on the agri-food sector are at the top of the Government’s Brexit agenda, and ongoing consultation with stakeholders, together with our engagement with UK, Northern Ireland and EU counterparts, will be informed by the need to have this fully understood and taken account of as the negotiations unfold. The most immediate concern for agri-food exporters after the Brexit vote was the significant drop in the value of sterling against the Euro.

DAFM and its agencies, together with the relevant stakeholders, have been giving careful consideration to these potential impacts, even before the referendum took place in June 2016.

DAFM

DAFM’s Brexit Unit is central to all Brexit issues across the Government. Minister Creed and DAFM officials are working within a tightly coordinated Government effort, led by the Taoiseach, to ensure the best possible outcome for Ireland – the agri-food sector is front and centre of the Government’s agenda. Minister Creed has travelled throughout the EU to explain Irish concerns and engage the interest of his counterparts in reaching a workable outcome. The Government is approaching the negotiations as part of a community of 27 Member States.

Minister Creed and Department officials are also fully engaged with their opposite numbers in London and Belfast. There is a need to maintain our close relationship with the UK.

The negotiations to date have clearly been challenging, and they will not get any easier. Ireland will not relent in its efforts to push our strong and clear agenda whatever the timeline.

DAFM has developed a new portal website www.marketaccess.agriculture.gov.ie which

brings together in one location, the full range of open markets and products, and the relevant conditions of certification in a user friendly manner for exporters.

Other practical steps to assist the sector in preparing to address the challenges posed by Brexit include:

• the new €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme for Brexit-impacted SMEs and mid-cap businesses DAFM funding ensures that at least 40% of the fund will be available to food businesses;

• market prioritisation exercise undertook by Bord Bia to identify priority markets across the food and drinks categories;

• tailored supports and analysis are being provided to food companies through Enterprise Ireland’s Brexit scorecard and Bord Bia’s Brexit barometer;

• the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is leading an intensified series of trade missions to develop and grow new markets, a key theme of Food Wise, and now more important than ever.

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BREXITRESPONSE


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Ministerial Trade Missions 2017/2018

1. Japan

• Negotiations began on Irish sheepmeat imports from Ireland

2. South Korea

• Progress made on Irish beef imports from Ireland

3. Turkey

• Meeting with key stakeholders in the Turkish livestock sector on live exports from Ireland

• International Agriculture and Livestock Exhibition

4. USA

• Bilateral meetings with USA State Commissioners for Agriculture

• Annual Meat Conference in Nashville

5. Canada

• Round table meeting with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario

• Addressed the Canadian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food

6. London

• SOS Gove-Brexit High Level Meeting• CEO meeting with key retail and food service

companies • Bord Bia Launch of London Thinking House

7. Vietnam

• Progress made on increasing pigmeat exports from Ireland

• Progress made on Irish beef access from Ireland

8. China

• Building on the announcement of Irish beef access to China in April

• Introduction of Irish meat companies to the Chinese market

• Promotion of seafood and dairy exports from Ireland

• Additional Irish pork plant approved for exports to China

• Represented Ireland at one of world’s largest food trade exhibitions (SIAL)


Access to Finance: the Brexit loan Scheme and the Agriculture Cashflow Support Scheme

DAFM, in cooperation with SBCI (the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland) delivered an innovative €150 million Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme in 2017, to assist in addressing the impact of change in the sterling exchange rate and lower commodity prices in some agriculture sectors in 2016 and 2017. The Scheme provided farmers with a low cost, flexible source of working capital, allowing them to pay down more expensive forms of short-term debt, ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of viable farming enterprises.

Using this as a model, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine together with the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister of Finance and Public Expenditure, launched a new €300 million ‘Brexit Loan Scheme’ for Brexit-impacted SMEs and mid-cap businesses the end of March. The scheme will

provide affordable, flexible financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future. DAFM funding ensures that at least 40% of the fund will be available to food businesses. The new Scheme will be delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through commercial lenders. It will remain open for up to two years or until it has been fully drawn down.

Also, Minister Creed announced in Budget 2018 that DAFM is considering the development of potential Brexit response loan schemes for farmers, fishermen and for longer-term capital financing for food businesses, for which he had secured €25 million of funding in 2018.

Ireland’s Global Footprint

The Government plans to double Ireland’s global footprint by 2025 including opening six new diplomatic missions. The key aims of ‘Global Ireland’ - Ireland’s Global Footprint 2025 are:

1. Attracting greater investment in Ireland

2. Boosting tourism and trade;

3. Building stronger links with our diaspora and;

4. Increasing cultural exchange


WASHINGTON DC, USA

LONDON, UK

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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

ROME, ITALY

PARIS, FRANCE

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

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BEIJING, CHINA

MOSCOW, RUSSIA

9 ABU DHABI, UAE

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DAFM’s Attaché Locations


Food Wise 2025 High Level Implementation Committee

Brexit is a standard standing item on the agenda of the Food Wise 2025 High Level Implementation Committee, allowing ongoing monitoring and response to Brexit in the context of the implementation of Food Wise 2025.

Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and BIM are providing tailored support and advice to individual food companies while they prepare their plans for Brexit, including advice on how to cope with currency volatility, for example through Bord Bia’s Brexit barometer and EI’s Brexit scorecard.

Bord Bia

Bord Bia has established a Brexit Team meeting on a weekly basis. Informed by the 2017 Brexit Barometer, this team has designed, launched and implemented over 27 Brexit support projects. Projects include; Market Prioritisation, Supply Chain Logistics and the Skill Needs of the Industry, in addition to Market Intensification Grants, a LEAN programme trade and currency workshops, and, innovation and insight supports from the Thinking House.

Bord Bia’s Brexit Barometer 2018

The Brexit Barometer 2018 (www.bordbia.ie/BrexitBarometerTool) was launched on 23 March 2018 for six weeks with an aim to measure the progress of Bord Bia clients as they prepare for Brexit. Key objectives of this exercise were to identify evolving client priorities and concerns and to further inform Bord Bia’s Brexit programmes and supports. The Barometer, which took the form of an online survey, was completed by 117 clients, representing 48% of exports to the UK. Results were published on 21 June 2018 and revealed that while 60% of respondents remain uncertain as to the impact of Brexit, 73% have made minor or clear progress in preparing for potential outcomes.

The majority of respondents have spoken to key customers about Brexit in the past 12 months and 54% have tailored marketing strategies for the UK market, up from 39% in 2017.

62% of respondents have mapped their supply chains to identify possible challenges arising from Brexit whilst only 40% have taken steps to reduce

supply chain costs. There’s a significant increase in clients’ awareness of whether supply chain partners are Brexit-ready with 67% of respondents expressing awareness versus 32% in 2017.

There has been modest progress in understanding possible customs implications of Brexit on companies. 45% of respondents feel that they have either significant or a reasonable amount of experience in complying with official requirements whilst 52% of respondents feel comfortable identifying the tariff classifications for their products. 50% of respondents have considered the cash flow implications on VAT in a hard Brexit scenario, versus 20% in 2017.

Over three quarters (77%) of respondents have identified their risk and exposure to currency fluctuations. Strong action has been taken in market diversification, with 85% actively seeking to expand business into new markets. 75% of participants reported sales growth in non-UK markets in the past 12 months.

Respondents received a Benchmark Report outlining how they score in preparedness against peer companies by turnover in order to highlight areas for increased focus. In addition, a Brexit Plan Template was circulated, containing recommended actions to enable clients to further prepare for increased complexity in UK trade.


A series of Brexit support programmes focussed on Supply Chains, Trade and Currency Risk have also been launched for the industry, alongside a customer engagement plan to communicate to key UK stakeholders the preparedness of Irish food and drinks suppliers.

Market Prioritisation

If the export growth trends evident between 2009 and 2017 continue, international markets will account for over 40% of Irish food and drink exports by 2025. Global population growth, along with increased urbanisation and affluence, and the intensifying challenges of climate change, provide the macro-context for this opportunity. Bord Bia has been funded by DAFM to undertake an in-depth Market Prioritisation exercise.

Bord Bia’s Supply Chain Logistics Guide and Partner Database

According to the Brexit Barometer, the supply chain is one of the highest risks emerging from the uncertainty around the UK’s future status as a trading partner with the EU. Increased lead times, especially when related to short shelf life products, in conjunction with a complex and intense supply chain, is a key issue facing the industry.

Bord Bia’s Supply Chain Logistics Guide helps business optimise supply chain operations by reducing costs and identifying solutions to potential disruptions and identifying the right partners. The Guide is aimed at current and potential exporters who wish to review their logistical operations for servicing both existing and new markets in Europe. Diversifying into new markets will challenge companies to review their existing supply chain and their logistics channels.

Bord Bia’s Logistics Partner Database enables Irish companies to identify logistics service providers operating both in-market (national) and internationally. As markets continue to evolve, exporters will need to look beyond their incumbent provider and become more educated in the options available. Users can select a supplier type from the drop-down menu and searches can be customised by company name, country or product category such as ambient, chill or frozen and also by service type such as transport or warehousing. The Database focuses on the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain and Poland.

Addressing the Skills Needs of Industry

Bord Bia has focussed on increasing the skills of industry in managing the key pressure points identified through the Brexit Barometer around customs and currency risk. Two pilot training programmes were held from November 2017 to February 2018 and included one-to-one supports for companies. These programmes were designed to help exporters understand the key export and currency management processes involved in diversifying to non-EU markets which will assist in new business development. In addition, a Currency Risk Video Tutorial was launched to help clients understand and manage hedging.

BIM

BIM has completed a number of analyses for DAFM on the possible impacts of Brexit to assess the threats and opportunities to the Irish seafood sector. These have focused on trade issues relating to imports and exports as well as logistical issues (e.g. transport and customs clearance) for Irish seafood companies exporting to and importing from the UK.

BIM has completed a detailed assessment of the implications for trade post-Brexit. This is an area where there are significant threats to the Irish


seafood sector as the UK is an important export market and the most important import market for seafood products. The analysis has shown that trade can be impacted in numerous aspects such as third country tariffs, non-tariff barriers, currency fluctuations and regulatory drift. These issues have been discussed with seafood processors in order to raise awareness of the issues for their businesses post-Brexit as well as identifying the seafood sectors readiness for Brexit.

The economic analysis completed has highlighted that logistical issues from importing, exporting and transiting of seafood through the UK are significant. These issues revolve around additional time delays and costs as a result of increased customs, border controls and product checks as well as the impacts on product quality and customer service caused by these delays. In carrying out this analysis, BIM have also identified opportunities for the Irish sector to develop alternative routes to market as well as potential technical solutions to more efficient transportation of seafood products to address product quality issues.

BIM will continue to analyse Brexit issues requested by DAFM as they arise during the negotiations, working closely with the Marine Institute, Sea Fisheries Protection Agency, Bord Bia and the fishing industry.

Teagasc

Teagasc continues to support industry stakeholders and Government in exploring the implications of Brexit for the agri-food sector. Further work by Teagasc in examining a range of Brexit scenarios is ongoing.

Teagasc analysis has highlighted that different sectors have very different levels of exposure to Brexit-related trade shocks. These differences are based on differing levels of dependence on the UK as an export market and differences in the magnitude of the preferential access to the UK that Irish (and other EU exports) enjoy while the UK remains an EU member.

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is proactive in ensuring Brexit is highlighted in all its management development offers, including International Selling Programme, Leadership 4 Growth and Go Global 4 Growth. Following the successful completion of a ‘Scenario Planning for Brexit’ programme in 2017, further workshops were held during 2018.


Brexit SME Scorecard

Enterprise Ireland developed an online tool (www.prepareforbrexit.ie) to help clients take the first step to self-assess your level of preparedness for Brexit. The output of the scorecard is a comprehensive report, containing actions and next steps for the clients’ consideration, as well as events the client may wish to attend, information and key resources. A significant number of companies have already completed the Scorecard since its launch and the feedback has been very positive.

‘Be Prepared’ Grant

Enterprise Ireland’s ‘Be Prepared Grant’ offers up to €5,000 to assist in the cost of developing a strategic response to Brexit. The grant is intended to provide support to clients to use external resources to undertake a short assignment to determine how the company could respond to the threats and opportunities of Brexit. The grant can be used to cover consultant’s fees, travel and expenses for both domestic and international employee travel.

The Brexit: Act On Initiative

The Brexit: Act On Initiative is aimed at helping Enterprise Ireland Brexit exposed companies to create a strong action plan with the aim of identifying the opportunities and mitigating the risks that Brexit may bring. The initiative which is delivered at no cost to the company is intended to help companies strengthen their capabilities in three key business areas;

1. Financial and Currency Management

2. Strategic Sourcing

3. Customs, Transport and Logistics

The Agile Innovation Fund

The Agile Innovation Fund allows companies to access up to 50% in support of innovation projects with a total cost of up to €300,000. It has been developed to support product, service and process innovation to build competitive advantage during these uncertain times. Investment in innovation is critical as Irish companies come to deal with increased level of competition both at home and abroad and the need to diversify into new markets and sectors.


ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHSDAFM

• Secured the opening of the Chinese market to beef exports from Ireland, following years of negotiations with the Chinese authorities, representing a very significant market opportunity for Irish beef companies, and an endorsement of Ireland’s high standards of food safety and traceability.

• Launched a portal www.marketaccess.agriculture.gov.ie for companies wanting access to third countries. The portal will initially provide information across the major export sectors of dairy, meat and seafood.

• Producer Organisations are established for the horticulture sector and progress is being made on the beef side.

• Following assessment of Round 2 of the European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP), 12 projects have now been selected for implementation on the ground. The second of

“China is a very significant market opportunity for Irish beef companies, and an endorsement of Ireland’s high standards of food safety and traceability.”


two calls under this initiative issued in August, 2017 and submitted proposals are currently under consideration. An overall funding package of €24 million has been set aside to support EIPs under these two calls. The EIP forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014–2020, and is centred on groups coming together to develop and implement their innovative ideas on how they propose to address challenges they have identified such as Biodiversity Regeneration in a Dairying Environment (BRIDE) and Enable Conservation Tillage (ECT).

• DAFM undertook a review of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020. The main recommendations are primarily focussed on enhancing the environmental benefits of forestry, improved planting rates and measures to assist mobilisation of the significant timber resource from private forest which will become available in the next few years.

• The National Farmed Animal Health Strategy 2017-22 and the National Animal Health Surveillance Strategy 2016-21, one of the actions set out in the Health Strategy was launched.

• Funded initiatives to promote and develop agri-food tourism projects in rural areas.

• Funded two projects aimed at reducing food waste generated by food businesses, retailers/wholesalers or suppliers in rural areas.

• Following on from the European Commission’s public consultation on CAP in early 2017 and the CAP Communication on 29 November 2017, DAFM commenced its own public consultation on CAP post 2020 with six public meetings hosted by Minister Creed and Minister of State Doyle during February 2018. The public meetings were held regionally throughout the

country and were well attended. Submissions received were published on 1 June on the Department’s website.

• The new Organic Sector Strategy Group was established and tasked with developing a strategy for the development of the Organic Sector for the period up to 2025.

• The GLAS baseline modelling report was published.

• Establishment of the Food Wise High Level Innovation Team.

• DAFM and Department of Health launched iNAP, Ireland’s first ‘One Health’ National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020.


The Bord Bia Food Academy programme celebrated its fifth anniversary in May and the programme content has been revised to include modules such as Food Safety and Finance.

The new Food Starter Programme provides fundamental learning for companies ahead of any supplier development programme and it has been decided that completion of Food Starter is a prerequisite for those seeking to participate in the Food Academy Start programme.

The Origin Green Dairy digital campaign targeting Chinese consumers launched in May. Following detailed research on the Chinese market, supplemented by Food Brand Ireland research, a very specific target customer was identified. The activity coincided with the trade mission to China and the educational, awareness building campaign reached over 9 million consumers and generated

over 8 million engagements within the first two phases of activity. Building on their knowledge and awareness of Ireland as a source of sustainably produced dairy, the objective of the campaign is to bring the target profile on a journey of discovery of Irish dairy.

Bord Bia beef promotions centred on the Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) and are being rolled out across key European markets including the UK, Germany, Holland and Italy.

The new €10.5 million EU co-funded lamb promotion (2018-2020) commenced in April 2018 as part of a joint initiative between Bord Bia, Interbev (Fr) and AHDB (UK).

There were 51,198 members in the Sustainable Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme (SBLQAS) including 49,105 beef producers and 11,536 sheep producers.

Bord Bia

In May, Bod Bia launched the Origin Green Public Awareness campaign. The 338 Origin Green members were sent social media content to share online to increase their identity as Origin Green members. They were also asked to support the campaign to drive awareness amongst their staff and customer base.

Consumer and market insight studies were completed in March, including beef insight across five markets in Eastern Europe, lamb research in five markets globally, consumer and market insight was for meat in six South East Asia (SEA) countries, and beef insight in China.

Building on the training provided for Marketplace International 2018 event participants, a new commercialisation strategy is being shared with all new members as part of their induction.


The sustainability criteria under the Origin Green programme has been incorporated into the Poultry Products Quality Assurance Scheme (PPQAS).

Teagasc

Launched the Teagasc Education Vision – meeting future needs.

Delivered the Knowledge Transfer Programme for DAFM which includes access to up-to-date research and information on the areas of: grassland and soil management; genetics and breeding; financial management, business planning and price volatility management, animal health and welfare, environment and farm safety.

The Farm Safety element in the green cert (level 6) commenced.

Further roll-out and preparation for launch of Opt-In ongoing. The award of Enterprise Ireland regional funding to Teagasc and Galway County Council to develop the BIA food campus at Teagasc Athenry will add substantially to supports for artisan food training, product development, marketing and scale-up opportunities for rural dwellers.

The new Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) was published in June.

Sustainable farming in the environment is now a mandatory module on Teagasc full-time, part-time and distance education programmes.

Teagasc hosted a number of international conferences including the 19th IFCN Dairy Conference, the 27th European Grassland Federation General Meeting and the Annual Global Forum Conference of the agri-benchmark Beef and Sheep Network.

BIM

Launched its first Environmental Sustainability Atlas, a comprehensive compendium of all the environmental activities in which it is engaged across the sea fishing, fish farming and seafood processing sectors in July.

BIM’s Certified Quality Aquaculture Scheme (CQA) is currently in the process of being benchmarked to the Global Seafood Sustainability Initiative (GSSI). Achieving this benchmarking which is based on the FAO seafood sustainability principles, will future-proof BIM’s schemes and ensure that they remain at the leading edge of certification for the foreseeable future.

BIM’s Enhanced Safety Training and Equipment Scheme is extended to include funding for seafood industry personnel to upgrade their existing compact Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with the newly issued Mullion Compact Supreme 150N PFD. An in-shop display unit will be distributed to all participating Safety Development Centres over the coming weeks. BIM aim to decommission the original issued PFDs.

BIM is collecting data from a range of shellfish aquaculture bays which will over time feed into BIM’s optimum carrying capacity study for each of the bays.

BIM’s Green Programme team conducted an on-site Resource Efficiency Assessment with a Cork-based seafood processor, to identify improvements in the company’s energy use and waste management practices to help meet their Origin Green targets.

BIM hosted the 47th Conference of the West European Fish Technologists’ Association. This is Europe’s largest gathering of seafood experts and is the leading platform for seafood R&D experts to network and discuss topics and major breakthroughs in seafood R&D internationally. In-depth insights into market-ready and emerging


new Innovative technologies are provided and openly discussed, many of which are at prototype and market-launch stage with international clients.

BIM with POSEIDON Aquatic Resource Management Ltd published a Raw Materials Strategy to expand the raw material base for the Irish Seafood Sector. The objective of the project was to investigate the potential to increase the landings into Ireland and add value from the resource of whitefish exploited in the waters around Ireland. The strategy identifies where opportunities exist and prioritises these to access and add value to raw material from non-Irish catches. It goes on to propose appropriate engagement models and identifies supporting actions from Irish agencies such as BIM, Bord Bia, the Marine Institute and the SFPA.

Enterprise Ireland

19,332 new jobs were created in 2017. This included a 4% increase in employment in food companies.

Enterprise Ireland has provided funding of over €15 million to companies between July 2017 and May 2018. These supports cover a range of activities including;

• 29 Significant Client Investments > €500,000

• 12 Significant R&D Projects to support increased innovation in the sector

• 22 Lean projects and 10 Environmental projects aimed at building client competitiveness

• 19 Key Managers filling strategic gaps in our clients across a range of areas

Eight food companies were supported under Enterprise Ireland’s Capital Investment Initiative in 2017 with a further three food companies supported in 2018 to date. The aim of the Capital Investment Initiative (CII) is to assist Enterprise Ireland client companies improve productivity and competitiveness through the acquisition of new capital equipment and technology. The fund provides grant support up to a maximum of €250,000. DAFM funding of €5 million for 2018 is available through this Initiative, as part of the Department’s wider Brexit response.

Enterprise Ireland’s new client engagement model is now fully operational across all food departments. 98 food client companies have been activated and are proceeding through the accelerate engagement model. Actions are being progressed across all areas of business

development and Enterprise Ireland is working in partnership with clients to address all identified issues and actions across the six business pillars.

Enterprise Ireland launched a new fast-track Agile Innovation Fund, to give companies rapid access to innovation funding. It allows companies to respond more quickly to market opportunities and challenges, including those posed by Brexit. It also allows companies to access up to 50% in support for product, process or service development projects with a total cost of up to €300,000. This new fund is designed to support the development of new products, processes and services that will support companies as they compete for new market opportunities and to achieve margin in existing markets.


“DAFM granted €1.8 million for research projects in the area of sustainability and in particular greenhouse gas mitigation and sustainable animal production.”

UPDATE AND PROGRESS ON THE FIVE THEMES OF FOOD WISE 2025Sustainability

DAFM granted €1.8 million for research projects in the area of sustainability and in particular greenhouse gas mitigation and sustainable animal production which will be conducted under the European Research Area Networks (ERA-Nets) programme.

€11 million funding was provided under Round One of the European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP) to 12 new projects which align with the RDP and environmental sustainability.

338 companies, accounting for almost 95% of food and drink exports, have registered to take part in the Origin Green programme.


The Government adopted proposals arising from the mid-term review of the Department’s Forestry Programme. It recognises clearly the contribution which forestry continues to make to the economy, environment and society in Ireland. The most significant improvements in grant and premium rates are aimed at those planting categories that may prove most attractive to farmers – such as agro-forestry and forestry for fibre. Agro-forestry will allow farmers to plant trees while continuing to graze their animals on the same land with this land use system suitable for producing woodfuel or, where appropriate, high quality hardwood timber. The aim of the Forestry for Fibre scheme is also to facilitate production of renewable energy for either domestic or local commercial use. The implementation of the Governments’ Forestry Programme to 2020 remains a priority, particularly attainment of the national afforestation targets and its alignment with broader Government policy on the environment.

The Agriculture Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme is an innovative collaboration between Government and industry, supporting the goals of the Food Wise strategy by promoting and encouraging sustainable farming, while meeting stringent water quality requirements.

Under the Rural Development Programme, €601m was invested in 2017 in Irish farmers and farms under a range of schemes and development programmes. The Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environmental (GLAS) with 50,000 farmers participating, the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) with 25,000 farmers participating and TAMS modernisation programme have all continued to make real contributions to the common goal of Irish sustainability.

Human Capital

The People in Dairy Action Plan was presented to the HLIC.

The Farm Safety element in the green cert (level 6) commenced.

Pig farm manager course commenced in Teagasc.

Successful implementation of the actions outlined in the 2017 Future Skills Needs in the Food and Drinks Sector Report.

Tailored advice has been provided to over 19,000 farmers on the issues of environmental, biodiversity and climate changes issues via the Farm Improvement Plan completed with an approved Knowledge Transfer Facilitator under the Knowledge Transfer Programme.

Competitiveness

A new €300 million ‘Brexit Loan Scheme’ for Brexit-impacted SMEs and mid-cap businesses was launched in March. This is a joint initiative between DAFM and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

DAFM held on public consultation meetings across the country on the future shape of the CAP, within the broad parameters laid down in the Commission communication. 164 submissions were received and a paper based on these submissions is available on the DAFM website (www.agriculture.gov.ie).

Enterprise Ireland completed a pilot of the Scalable HPSU Technical Feasibility offer for the purpose of undertaking a thorough technical feasibility prior to the establishment of a new and scalable manufacturing start-up. The operation must demonstrate the potential to create 50 new jobs within three years of establishment in order to be eligible to apply for the grant of up to €450,000 (max. 50%).


Market Development

DAFM developed a portal website (www.marketaccess.agriculture.gov.ie) which brings together the full range of open markets, products, relevant conditions of certification for exporters and a programme of trade missions to provide an opportunity to Irish exporters to develop a market profile and presence in third markets.

DAFM provided additional funding to Bord Bia for market prioritisation, market promotion and supports in international, UK and other EU markets.

DAFM provided €400,000 in funding to Bord Bia for a two year MSc in Insight and Innovation in Maynooth University.

Bord Bia hosted Marketplace International 2018. This year’s event broadened the focus on emerging markets and with the intention that over half of buyers would come from non EU markets in line with Food Wise 2025 Action 153. It attracted 532 buyers to Ireland from 52 countries to meet with almost 200 Irish food and drink companies through a series of bespoke itineraries in the RDS which saw almost 5,000 meetings take place over the course of one day. Over half of the buyers at Marketplace came from emerging markets.

Innovation

The National Food Innovation Hub was established at Teagasc Moorepark to create a business innovation network involving dairy companies, Moorepark Technology Ltd, incubator companies and public-private partnership based R&D programmes with a research focus on food processing, quality and nutrition.

DAFM is funding a €5 million investment in capital equipment for the Prepared Consumer Food Production (PCF) Centre, based in Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown. Companies will be able to pilot specialist processing and packaging equipment with a view to scaling up their production and/or operations. The equipment will be available for individual PCF companies, and for research collaborations between companies and Teagasc and other research providing organisations. Facilities at the centre are expected to be operational by September 2018.

The new Food Starter Programme was developed in response to an outcome from the 2017 evaluation of the Food Academy Start programme.

This elementary stage programme, named Food Starter, will have its content developed by Bord Bia in collaboration with LEOs. The programme will be delivered throughout the country at local level by LEO offices. The Food Starter programme is to become a prerequisite for early stage companies looking to participate on Food Academy Start.


SUSTAINABILITY Food Wise 2025 states that ‘Environmental sustainability and economic sustainability are equal and complementary – one cannot be achieved at the expense of the other’. Ireland is already one of the world’s most efficient food producers, in terms of carbon footprint per unit of output, whilst our predominantly grass-based production systems and extensive network of hedgerows and landscape features, further underpins our green credentials.

Building climate resilience in our natural resources to ensure biodiversity and water quality is restored to its highest potential, while reducing net carbon emissions against increasing pressures, to produce additional food and fibre is an enormous challenge. However, it is a challenge that the agri-food are actively making efforts to address and will continue to do so. The agri-food sector have placed sustainability at the heart of Irish agricultural production and have embraced the principle of sustainable intensification.

“Ireland is one of the world’s most efficient food producers, in terms of carbon footprint per unit of output.”


At national level there is a whole of Government approach to addressing climate related matters. A Climate Action High Level Steering Group has been established to report and monitor on both mitigation and adaptation measures and includes a senior representative from DAFM.

Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC)

The Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC) is continuing its work assessing the delivery of environmental sustainability and mitigation actions of Food Wise 2025. The Committee has met on a number of occasions over the last year and has concentrated on a number of priority actions including finalising the sectoral input to the National Mitigation Plan and consideration of adaptation and resilience of the sector to future climatic effects.

The first National Mitigation Plan was published in July 2017 by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE). DAFM was actively involved in this process as one of the key sectors contributing to the Plan. Chapter six of the Plan sets out the mitigation measures currently in place in the agriculture, forest and land use sector and a series of actions to drive mitigation within the sector.

The statutory National Adaptation Framework (NAF) published in January 2018 identifies 12 key sectors under the remit of seven Government Ministers where statutory sectoral adaptation plans are to be prepared. DAFM is the lead Department for three of these key sectors: agriculture, forestry and seafood.

The document ‘Adaptation Planning – Developing Resilience to Climate Change in the Irish Agriculture and Forest Sector’ was published by DAFM in August 2017. It identifies the adaptation challenges in developing of resilience to the effects of climate change within the sector. The analysis undertaken to identify the range of impacts and projected changes in climatic parameters as well as extreme weather events on the agriculture and forest sector found that extreme precipitation, storms, heat waves, drought, increased temperatures and the extension of the growing season have, and will, continue to affect all areas of the agriculture and forest sector.

Understanding the potential impacts of changing weather patterns as a consequence of climate change is essential for informing and developing adaptation strategies and actions. Changing climate may provide opportunities (e.g. increased suitability of growth conditions) as well as drawbacks (e.g. increased frequency of extreme

weather events). By identifying vulnerabilities now, the sector can increase resilience to the changing climate and extreme events.

This adaptation planning document will form the basis upon which DAFM will develop the new statutory sectoral adaptation plan under the NAF.

Other areas where the Committee identified progress being made include: decoupling agriculture emissions from output, the Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) Review and the introduction of the Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme.

Engaging with stakeholders - Annual Workshop

The ESC held its second annual stakeholder workshop in September 2017. The theme for the event was grassland. Given the prominence of agriculture and land mitigation in the Paris pledges and 2017 been the Irish Year of Sustainable Grassland it was an opportune time to showcase the research funded by DAFM and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) related to grasslands and broader land use. The event provided the opportunity to explore a number of research projects, most of which are funded by the Department’s research programmes. These


projects related to grasslands and broader land use, and aim to improve our understanding of the carbon sequestration potential of our natural land resources and how the projects can contribute to climate action and sustainability. The strong collaborative approach between the Department, Teagasc and Bord Bia was evidenced on the day. Topics discussed included ecosystems, possible future developments within the CAP, the benefits of nutrient management planning and good farmyard practice, enhancing farmer engagement and farmers’ willingness to adopt Information Communications Technology (ICT).

2018 Workshop

An Environmental Sustainability Dialogue one-day interactive workshop took place on the 13 June 2018. It covered key environmental challenges facing the agricultural sector as well as identifying and discussing potential opportunities for abatement while maintaining the sustainability credentials of Irish agri-food production. Specific topics discussed included ‘Sustainability in Practice’, ‘Soil Fertility and Land Use’ and ‘Livestock and Feeding Strategies’.

Grass 10

Grass 10 – DAFM has supported Teagasc in a multi-year campaign 2017-2020 to increase grass utilisation on Irish livestock farms (dairy, beef and sheep), with the objective of achieving:

• 10t grass DM/ha/year utilised and

• 10 grazings/paddock/year.

Ireland has a significant comparative benefit over other international milk and meat producing countries due to its mild, moist and changeable climate. It provides a natural resource of approximately 4.4 million hectares of grassland. These advantages allow Irish farmers to grow plentiful grass, and produce milk and meat naturally and at low cost. Irish livestock farmers are currently not optimising grass production and utilisation even with the established benefits of grass-based milk and meat production. The current levels of grass grown (and utilised) on dairy, beef and sheep farms can be increased significantly, which has been shown by Teagasc research. The Grass10 target of 10t DM/ha/year utilised will support major increases in milk and meat production. It requires changes in farm practices associated with both grass production and utilisation, including soil fertility, sward composition, grassland measurement and grazing infrastructure being achieved.


SEAI and Teagasc Pilot Dairy Energy Efficiency Scheme

Teagasc and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) rolled out a pilot dairy energy efficiency scheme in 2017, which grant aided the installation of variable speed drives with between 50 and 80 farmers benefiting from grant aid. The scheme is targeted at getting dairy farmers to decrease their energy costs related to vacuum pumps on milking machines. The 2017 scheme allowed for a variable speed drive to be retrofitted to the vacuum pumps to lower electricity consumption of the pump by 60%, according to Teagasc and the SEAI.

SEAI have confirmed that the Energy Efficiency in Dairy Sector pilot scheme will reopen in 2018.

River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for 2018 – 2021

The second River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for 2018 - 2021, was published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) in April 2018. It sets out the plan to protect and improve water quality in Ireland’s rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters over the next four years. It has taken into account the EPA characterisation work which identifies 1,460

river and lake water bodies which are at risk of not meeting Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives; agriculture is the significant pressure in 780 (53%) of these water bodies, either alone or in combination with other significant pressures.

The RBMP outlines the programme of measures to be implemented over the coming years for achievement of water quality improvements in targeted water bodies, including the following agricultural measures:

• Implementation of the 4th Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) 2018-2021, the main agricultural measure in the WFD. The 4th NAP contains enhanced measures for the prevention of nutrient losses to waters.

• Implementation of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 under which the Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS), Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS), locally-led schemes and Knowledge Transfer (KT) programmes provide targeted support to farmers for the protection of waters in addition to other co-benefit gains.

• Establishment of collaborative initiatives to achieve farmer behavioural change for the protection of water. This includes the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme.


• The ‘Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme’ is an innovative Government/industry collaborative initiative and a new approach to achieving improvements in water quality and wider sustainability. It involves the establishment and joint funding between DAFM, DHPLG and the Dairy Industry of a resource of 30 Agricultural Sustainability Advisors. These Advisors will receive comprehensive training provided by Teagasc to ensure a consistent and unified approach. The Government funded advisors will be managed by Teagasc’s environmental section with oversight provided by both DAFM and the DHPLG.

• This four year programme supports the goals of the Food Wise 2025 strategy, facilitating increased productivity hand-in-hand with a more sustainable sector. The sustainability and efficiency gains will be achieved through improved nutrient management with more targeted use of fertiliser, better farmyard practice, and the development of new approaches to reducing nutrient losses in critical source areas.

• The programme has the potential to strengthen delivery of Ireland’s obligations under the Water Framework Directive. It is part of a new approach to River Basin Management Planning for the 2018 – 2021 cycle. This new approach includes the development of a much-strengthened evidence base to understand the full range of pressures affecting water quality and the development of the programmes of measures needed to deliver improvements. Over time the Programme will also address on-farm climate change and biodiversity strategies.

• Under the Programme, the new team will promote on-farm sustainability best practice to farmers in 190 priority catchments identified by the EPA in consultation with other Government agencies and Departments. Furthermore, the Dairy co-ops will support sustainability best practice through their structures, promoting best farmyard and nutrient management practice across all their suppliers.

SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORT AND ADVISORY PROGRAMME


Agricultural Catchment Programme 2017

The Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) is a joint research and advisory programme operated by Teagasc in six agricultural catchments across the country. It was established to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the Good Agricultural Practice measures that Irish farmers are required to implement under the Nitrates Directive. Phase 3 of the ACP commenced in January 2016 and runs to 2019 and builds on the gains and experiences from earlier phases of the programme.

New scientific knowledge coming from the ACP to date is indicating a positive response to Ireland’s Nitrates Regulations, i.e. reduced nutrient inputs, increased nutrient management and some evidence of reduced nutrient losses from agricultural land to water.

The findings support key agri-environmental policies and strategies, including the successful review of Ireland’s Nitrates Regulations in 2017 and the 2nd River Basin Management Plan (RBMP).

Awareness raising initiatives around MCPA and water

Herbicides frequently used on grassland such as MCPA* have been detected more regularly in recent years in drinking water in Ireland. Breaches of the legal limit for pesticides in drinking water are caused by careless storage, handling or use of pesticides.

During 2017, DAFM undertook a number of initiatives to raise awareness around MCPA and water.

*2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid

Nitrates Action Programme (NAP)

In late 2017 Ireland agreed with the European Commission on its fourth NAP for the period 2018 – 2021. The new NAP takes account of current pressures on water quality and contains new strengthened water protection measures to break nutrient and transport pathways. Furthermore, the new NAP contains simplification of the regulations and also a new collaborative approach for improved implementation. The fourth NAP also includes enhanced knowledge transfer and a focus on improving soil fertility for better nutrient use efficiency, all of which represent important incremental improvements.

Around 7,000 farmers currently avail of the derogation, allowing them to farm at a more intensive stocking rate than normally allowed and this is highly important for the achievement of the targets set out in the Food Wise 2025 strategy. However, it is of paramount importance that this dairying expansion takes place without compromising on water quality and the achievement of the WFD objectives. Any further deterioration in water quality will threaten the possibility of future derogations being granted.

The recent commitment by DAFM and DHPLG to financing the Sustainability Advisers under the Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme is a further investment for the protection of water quality.

Low emission slurry spreading

DAFM is supporting farmers to invest in low emission slurry spreading equipment under the RDP which will help reduce ammonia emissions. There have been 1,884 applications received to date. These applications consist of 396 applications for the Low Emissions Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment under the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) and 1,488 applications for LESS under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).


The principle objective of the TAMS II Scheme is to assist farmers purchase new equipment for the spreading of slurry which has distinct environmental advantages.

Burning as a land management tool

DAFM encourages the responsible, lawful and safe use of fire in agriculture and related sectors. Appropriate use of fire as a land management tool is essential to upland farming and the effective management of upland holdings and habitats, and the maintenance of fuel loads in such areas at safe levels for wildfire prevention and management. The Department recognises that the uncontrolled and inappropriate use of fire can lead to adverse outcomes such as risk to human and animal health, damage to neighbouring property and land, air pollution, wildfire outbreaks and habitat destruction, and it actively promotes measures to avoid these outcomes.

The disposal of by burning of untreated/uncontaminated wood, trees, trimmings, leaves, bushes or similar materials generated by agricultural practices is catered for under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations. The onus is on farmers to investigate all other more environmentally friendly methods of treatment

of their green waste such as reduction, reuse, and recycling by shredding, composting or wood chipping before disposal by burning.

In summary, the use of fire in land management is well catered for in existing legislation and policies including current wildlife, air quality, waste management and biodiversity legislation, and the Department’s approach to fire management issues reflects this legislation.

The Department has produced guidelines for land managers considering the use of fire on their land and has also supported and encouraged the development of a number of local level fire management groups and partnerships aimed at improving awareness and understanding of the responsible use of fire as a land management tool. Local level fire management training requirements are now also directly supported via European Innovation Partnerships such as the Hen Harrier Scheme, the Blackstairs EIP, Kerry Reeks and Wicklow SUAS EIP projects, and via a number of specially trained Teagasc land use Advisors.

The Department also provides specialist guidance to the forestry sector on forest fire management related issues, most notably the issuance of Fire Danger Notices to the sector prior to periods of high fire risk weather, and the monitoring and analysis of fire activity and fire behaviour during these periods.


Results-based Agricultural Environment Payments Scheme (RBAPS) (January 2015 – June 2018)

The Results-based Agricultural Environment Payments Scheme (RBAPS) project is funded by the European Commission with co-funding provided by project partners and with support from DAFM, The Heritage Council and Teagasc.

The RBAPS pilot has been working with farmers to test how paying for the quality of biodiversity can be achieved in a way that is fair to the farmer, the environment and meets national and EU regulatory and administrative requirements. RBAPS award payments to farmers on the basis of the quality of the desired environmental outcome that is delivered. With result-based schemes, the habitat condition is scored with the highest payment awarded to the best quality habitat. Assessments are based on indicators, which are chosen to reflect the overall biodiversity and ecological integrity of the habitat while also responding to agricultural management practices. Result-based schemes may involve payments awarded solely on results achieved or may be a blended model with payments for ‘non-productive investments’ which support the delivery of biodiversity (e.g. removal of scrub encroaching on species-rich grassland; or creating a chick feeding

area on important wading bird habitat); and can be complemented by some prescriptive elements where necessary.

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

The Commission published in June its proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy beyond 2020, which outlined ‘Higher ambitions on environmental and climate action: Climate change, natural resources, biodiversity, habitats and landscapes’ are all addressed in the EU-wide objectives. Farmers’ income support is already linked to the application of environment and climate-friendly practices and the new CAP, when finally negotiated, is likely to require farmers to achieve a higher level of ambition through both mandatory and incentive-based measures.

European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP)

DAFM has invited applications for funding in two competitive calls for proposals under the European Innovation Partnerships Initiative (EIP). Twelve projects chosen from the first Open Call are now launched and the second Open Call will have its final evaluation of submitted proposals in autumn 2018.

The EIP under the RDP 2014-2020 is a co-operation measure under Article 35(1) of the Regulation and a fundamental rule of this measure is that a supported project shall be granted to promote forms of co-operation involving at least two entities.

EIPs will involve the establishment of Operational Groups to develop ideas, or take existing ideas and research, and put them into practice. Operational Groups are expected to be hands on so as to work towards the resolution of a practical problem or opportunity, which may lead to an innovative solution. Ideas may not necessarily be technical in nature but could be social or based on new or traditional practices. Operational Groups shall be set up by interested parties such as farmers, researchers, advisors, non-governmental agencies (NGOs), foresters and businesses. These parties should be involved in the agriculture and food sector and be relevant in achieving the objectives of the RDP.

All EIPs must demonstrate links to Rural Development priorities as set down in EU Regulation 1305/2013. Priority 5 in particular asks applicants to focus on projects which deal with climate change.


The objectives of the project are:

• To explore an innovative implementation of results based approach for wildlife on intensively managed farmland;

• Develop, implement and assess innovative options to restore, preserve and enhance farmland habitats and ecosystem services;

• Improve communications and dissemination about the contribution of Irish farmland to the conservation of biodiversity, especially in intensively managed grasslands;

• Facilitate the creation of a market-based demand by the agri-food industry for supply of ecosystem services from farmers.

The primary aim and an expected benefit of this project is to facilitate the adoption of Conservation Agriculture (CA) or Conservation Tillage through removing the barrier to adoption in the Irish tillage sector.

Some of the objectives of the project are:

• To develop, evaluate and demonstrate the best combinations of techniques for grass weed control for different crop establishment systems on a number of focus farms;

• To determine the factors that impact on grass weed prevalence on conservation agriculture and conventional farms in Ireland;

• To guide farmers in implementing and evaluating cover crops as a grass weed control measure;

• To establish the level and source of grass weed herbicide resistance in key grass week species in Ireland;

• To assess and demonstrate novel weed control approaches such as using drone acquired data to facilitate a spatially variable approach to weed control and the use of electric weed control.

1. BIODIVERSITY REGENERATION IN A DAIRYING ENVIRONMENT (BRIDE)

2. ENABLE CONSERVATION TILLAGE (ECT)


Research on Sustainability Bioeconomy Developments

In March 2018 the Government published the National Policy Statement on Ireland’s Bioeconomy based on work done by an Inter-Departmental Group during the preceding 12 months which benefited significantly from the findings of the DAFM-funded BioĒire research project. DAFM together with the Department of Communication, Climate Change and Environment will take this forward during 2018 by co-chairing a Bioeconomy Implementation Group to further progress the six actions identified in the Policy Statement.

At EU level, Glanbia in partnership with European partners and Irish partners including Teagasc, UCD, TCD, Tipperary County Council and CMP were awarded €22 million under the competitive Biobased Industries Joint Undertaking funding programme to develop a large scale biorefinery in Lisheen, Co Tipperary. This has been Ireland’s largest award in the EU Framework programme for research and innovation ever and the participation of the Irish industry, research institutions and public services is supported by DAFM.


National Research Developments

The outcome of DAFM’s most recent National Research Call will be announced in quarter 3. A multi-million investment in a new set of projects addressing sustainability issues featured strongly with funding planned in a diverse set of area including genetic improvement for environmental efficiency, mitigating impacts of pesticide use on terrestrial ecosystems, soil carbon sequestration and forestry ecosystem services.

The new range of projects funded will ensure that DAFM’s research and innovation programmes continues to efficiently and effectively contribute towards meeting the Food Wise sustainability objectives, and will also strengthen the existing national knowledge base.

International Research Developments

DAFM continued its ongoing investment in supporting national researchers to actively contribute to tackling shared global sustainability challenges, through co-funding their participation in two strategically important European Research Calls in various sustainability linked thematic areas.

1. ERA-Gas:

The second half of 2017 saw the commencement of 10 new research projects who received €14.1 million in grant-aid (including €1.3 million in funding from DAFM and Teagasc) on foot of an EU Joint Programming Initiative on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change (FACCE-JPI) which brought together 14 of its member countries in a European Research Area Network Cofund for Monitoring & Mitigation of GHG’s from Agri- and Silvi-culture (ERA-GAS). Five of the ten successful projects had Irish partners participating and these projects covered a diverse range of areas from cow rumen studies, improved pH management of soils, improved silage inoculants to optimum management of GHG’s in different landscapes,.

2. SUSFOOD 2:

The SUSFOOD2 ERA-NET consortium consists of 26 partner organisations from 15 countries who have come together to reinforce the cooperation in research, development and innovation between EU Member and associated States in order to make food systems (production to consumption) more sustainable, resilient and secure. Following the SUSFOOD 2 Call entitled ‘Sustainable Food Production and Consumption’ a total of 12 projects were approved for approximately €11.5 million in funding, with Irish partners participating in four of these projects. These four projects are looking at key areas of food systems including innovation in food processing technologies and products, valorisation of waste and resource efficiency, and also consumer behaviour and food choices.


Arresting biodiversity loss is one of the significant challenges that must be addressed if we are to meet our economic and environmental sustainability objectives set out in Food Wise 2025. Pollinating insect species such as bees, wasps, hoverflies, and butterflies, play a vital role in producing high quality, diversified foods and crops, farming and agriculture sustainability.

In Ireland, crops pollinated by insects have an estimated value of at least €53 million. Irish crops such as tomatoes, strawberries and rapeseed and approximately three quarters of our wild plants rely on insect pollination. In addition, honeybees provide a further ecosystem service through their production of honey, beeswax, pollen and propolis which are important and valuable commodities.

By pollinating flowering crops and plants, pollinating insects are not only feeding themselves but are safeguarding our food for future generations, protecting biodiversity and our natural environment. The food and agricultural sector, such as feed and livestock, dairy, food and beverage, and the bio-economy, rely heavily on the raw materials and ecosystem services these tiny organisms freely afford. This dependency will increase further as our food and agriculture activities intensify.

DAFM, in conjunction with stakeholders of the farming, agricultural and horticultural sectors of Ireland, are making considerable efforts to minimise the effects on the environment and declines in biodiversity. In July 2017, the 71st Annual Beekeeper’s Summer School was held in Gormanston, Co Meath. The event highlighted the importance for stakeholder engagement and collaboration to meet our shared goal of arresting and protecting our pollinating species. DAFM also provides a number of other supports for the beekeeping sector including co-funding research under the National Apiculture Programme, provision of grant aid to facilitate capital investments in specialised beekeeping related equipment, support for activities conducted by national beekeeping organisations, provision of a free disease diagnostic service for bees.

DAFM is invested in commissioning and supporting meaningful EU-level and citizen-led research projects, across a number of thematic areas, via DAFM’s competitive national programmes and the EU Horizon 2020 research funding programme. Research proposals commissioned under these programmes represent an important opportunity to engage and collaborate with the research community to address data-gaps, better inform policy development and implementation, increase citizen-

awareness, and ensure the measures and activities we implement are successful in meeting our overall biodiversity objectives.

DAFM also works closely with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and other agencies, stakeholders, and researchers by supporting the development and implementation of the actions of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020. In September 2017, DAFM launched the Farming Guidelines, of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020. This guideline provides actions farmers and agricultural businesses can implement to help support pollinators and the ecosystem services they avail of.

In March 2018, at the 6th session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Ireland signed up and committed to achieving the targets of the Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators.

POLLINATOR ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW


FOOD WISE CONFERENCE: CHALLENGE, AMBITION, OPPORTUNITYDAFM hosted a major conference, Food Wise: Challenge, Ambition, Opportunity in Croke Park on 4 December 2017. The purpose of hosting the conference was

1. To acknowledge the achievements of the sector in recent years under the Food Harvest 2020 strategy and its successor Food Wise 2025 and

2. Assess and prepare for the challenges ahead.

There were four sessions:

1. Global Markets Insights

2. Policy Drivers

3. Environment Sustainability and Agri-Food

4. Food Wise: Impact in a new era


The conference provided a forum to review progress to date, understand the significant challenges ahead, including in particular Brexit and environmental challenges, and renew the Government’s commitment to provide an enabling environment for the sustainable growth of the sector.

Minister Creed stated at the Conference that as the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC) has the ability to deliver on the joined-up Government approach, he intended to lead a step up in its work. DAFM has initiated a programme of at least seven meetings of the HLIC with key stakeholder groups to determine how we can all reinforce the Food Wise strategy, through real and practical actions. He will also lead four trade missions this year (2018).

In the live polls that were undertaken on the day, the results confirmed that Sustainability and Brexit will be the most significant factor to impact the agri-food sector over the coming decade.

Transport delays

Uncertainty about sterling-euro exchange rates

Future tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade

11%

12%

77%

Brexit

Trade agreements

CAP

11%

26%24%

50%

Session 2: Policy Drivers Which of the following will have the greatest impact on the Irish agri-food sector over the coming decade?

Results of SLIDO polls:Session 1: Global Market Insights What is your main concern about the impact of Brexit on the Irish Agri-Food markets?


Yes they are sufficient

A lot done, more to do

We are a long way off what the market is demanding

12%17%

71%

Sustainability

Human Capital

Competitiveness

Market Development

Innovation

41%

13%

11%

20%

16%

Session 4: Impact in a new era Which of the five Food Wise themes do you consider to be the most important going forward

Session 3: Environmental Sustainability and Agri-Food Are the sustainability credentials of Irish food sufficient in order to satisfy consumers in Ireland and key export markets?


UPDATES ON STEPS TO SUCCESS 20171. One-Stop Shop

The 2017 Report of ‘Future Skills Needs in the Food and Drinks Sector’ which was one of the key actions under the Human Capital theme in Food Wise 2025 recommended the creation of a ‘one stop shop’ web portal that would attract and inform individuals of the benefits of working and having a career in the food and beverages sector.

A feasibility study for the creation of a portal to promote and inform the public about career in the agri-food sector is being commissioned.

2. High Level Innovation Team

Food Wise 2025 Action 187: Establish a high level core team to review current agri-food sector innovation capacity, the utilisation of this capacity and to better market the Irish agri-food sector’s innovation capabilities.

This action is split into two elements:

1. Establishment of a high level core team to review current agri-food sector innovation capacity and the utilisation of this capacity and

2. Marketing the Irish agri-food sector’s innovation capabilities

In May 2018, the composition of the High Level Innovation Team was announced:

1. Paul Finnerty (CEO, The Yield Lab Ireland Accelerator)

2. Frank Roche (Professor Emeritus, Entrepreneurship, UCD) &

3. Mella Frewen (Director General, FoodDrink Europe).

It will be supported by a secretariat from Enterprise Ireland and DAFM and has been assigned the following goals;

1. Drive sectoral insight into the need for increased and directed investment in innovation to deliver business growth and sustainability

2. Highlight the innovation capabilities of the sector and contribute to the ongoing development of the sector’s capability and capacity in this space

STOPone shop


3. Market Prioritisation

DAFM commissioned Bord Bia to undertake a market profiling exercise for Irish exports to third country and EU markets. This focussed on identifying relatively newer markets likely to present growth opportunities over the next 5 – 10 years and an assessment of these against the capability of Ireland to supply the market. For this reason, strongly established markets have been excluded from the analysis. A funnel approach was adopted for the project with an initial screening of over 180 markets using macro-economic and sector-specific criteria being assessed and weighted for each category. This formed the basis of the market prioritisation tool.

The output from the tool was a list of the top 30 markets for each category. Through ongoing consultation with industry, Bord Bia has identified 15 priority markets for meat, dairy, prepared consumer foods, beverages and seafood. 75 summary reports have been published for each market and sector, outlining the scale of the opportunity, level of competition and any barriers likely to face Irish exporters.

In-depth reports will be prepared for the top five markets by sector and Market Plans will outline how Bord Bia and manufacturers can leverage opportunities.


KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2018/2019 UNDER THE FIVE THEMES Sustainability Human Capital Competitiveness Market Development Innovation

Implement the agri and forestry measures in the National Mitigation Plan (NMP) and develop additional sectoral mitigation measures.

Implementation of the recommendations in the People in Dairy Action Plan.

DAFM to continue to improve access to finance for the agri-food sector.

DAFM to optimise the use of strategic trade missions to emerging markets to ensure market entry conversion.

DAFM, Marine Institute and Industry to develop further research programmes on the potential of marine species of fish, shellfish and seaweed as possible high value sources of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and renewal energy products.

Seafood sector to adapt and enhance the existing independent third party verified standards such as BIM’s Quality Assurance Programmes, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), organic certification and green manufacturing to facilitate measurement of its environmental credentials.

Enterprise Ireland will promote and develop Gradhub’s Graduate Business Growth Initiative (Graduate Placement) to assist indigenous food and drink SMEs to scale and grow their businesses through the introduction of graduate talent.

Continue to develop measures to manage impacts of price / income volatility.

Implement joint industry and EU funded promotional campaigns in the mushroom and potato sectors where the target audience is the younger demographic and key messages will include health and convenience.

Enterprise Ireland to continue to support the evolution of FHI and DPTC to allow the centre to realise long term full potential.

Actions under competitiveness, market development and innovation are prioritised as part of the agri-food sector’s response to Brexit.

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BREXITRESPONSE


Sustainability Human Capital Competitiveness Market Development Innovation

Enterprise Ireland will develop the capability of food company managers to drive environmental efficiencies and achieve improved sustainability, through customised management development programmes and through the Green Plus element of Enterprise Ireland Business Process Improvement Grants.

Communicate benefits of working in the food and drink industry throughout school, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

In the light of its current fragmented structure and low financial capacity, Enterprise Ireland and BIM to develop a financial model for seafood sector which provides funding opportunities that both increase scale and deliver commercial return. These will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the seafood sector.

DAFM, Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to explore synergies and priorities for the deployment of human resources in specific markets, including possibilities for relocation, new posts and new offices based on market prioritisation which considers growth possibilities, consumer insights, political stability of regions/countries and the market access regulatory environment.

Improve coordination between industry, State agencies and research institutions to support the delivery of research which will deliver commercial outputs and products.

Develop a messaging programme to communicate the benefits of Origin Green membership to farmer stakeholders to ensure greater adoption and engagement with the programme.

DAFM, Teagasc and the Health and Safety Authority to continue to support educational initiatives supporting behavioural change at farm level in respect of safety in particular as part of knowledge transfer groups and level 6 ( green cert) education.

Teagasc, other research bodies and industry to develop the use of precision technologies applicable to pasture based production.

DAFM to continue to enhance and support Ireland’s animal health status and reputation for producing safe, high-quality food.

Improve capacity of agri-food companies to absorb Research and Innovation output from research bodies.


THREE KEY ACTIONS FOR 2018/20191. Upgrade of Moorepark Technology Limited pilot plant

Teagasc and the dairy industry to complete the €10 million upgrade of Moorepark Technology Limited pilot plant.

The main contract has been awarded and the first phase of building works has commenced.

2. Findings of the High Level Innovation team

The High Level Innovation Team will examine in particular the global challenges of producing quality food around issues such as (i) sustainability (ii) diet and nutrition, and (iii) technology, and all in the context of political threats such as Brexit.

The High Level Innovation Team will report back to the HLIC next year. The work of the High Level Innovation Team will contribute to a long term vision (10-15 years) and strategy for innovation in the future and feed in to the next Food Wise strategy.

3. Brexit Response

DAFM in conjunction with other Government Departments, State agencies and stakeholders are working on a contingency plan on the end result of the Brexit discussions. A lot has been done already and this has been reflected earlier in the report in the Brexit chapter.

More will continue to be done to assist the sector to cope with the current uncertainty and in light of the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

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BREXITRESPONSE


Bord Bia Teagasc

BIM EnterpriseIreland

Food Wise 2025LOCAL ROOTS GLOBAL REACH

A 10-year vision for the Irish agri-food industry

WORKING COLLABORATIVELYFood Wise 2025 highlights the importance of collaboration and coordination of resources between DAFM, State agencies and other Government Departments.

Sustainability Collaboration

• DAFM, the Department for Housing, Planning and Local Government and Dairy Industry Ireland launched the ‘Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme’, an initiative to promote and encourage sustainable farming with meeting stringent water quality requirements.

• The fourth Nitrates Action Programme was announced and will run until the end of 2021. It places particular emphasis on disrupting pollution pathways in order to prevent agricultural run-off affecting water environment. It is consistent with Ireland’s second River Basin Management Plan (covering the period to 2021) which focuses on a range of key actions including the long term behavioural change when it comes to protecting our water environment.


Farm Hazardous Waste Collection Campaign

• The Farm Hazardous Waste Scheme 2015-2016 project won the ‘Excellence through Collaboration’ Award at the Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards for the work by EPA, DAFM, Teagasc, DCCAE and farmers. The objective of the campaign was to facilitate the collection, recovery and disposal of hazardous waste from farms; assess the types and quantities of wastes present on farms and provide sound evidence to support the establishment of a suitable and affordable national scheme for the management of farm hazardous wastes.

• DAFM continuing to engage with DCCAE on the draft national clean air strategy.

• BIM and DAFM drafted a consultation document for improved selectivity in the prawn fleet in the Irish Sea.

Human Capital Collaboration

• In October 2017, the HLIC agreed that research needed to be carried out on addressing farm labour shortages for the dairy sector which arose from the Food Wise 2025 Workshop on Skills Shortages in the agri-food sector that was held in April 2017. A stakeholder group produced the People in Dairy Action Plan which was presented to Minister Creed in June. It consists of a number of recommendations which will be put in place over the next 12 months.

• DAFM, DBEI and the relevant stakeholders have implemented the recommendations outlined in the 2017 Future Skills Needs in the Food and Drink Sector.

• Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia continue to work together to identify those areas where the agencies can best collaborate to support the continued growth of food and beverage companies.

• A pilot quota of employment permits for non-EU workers for the horticulture, meat processing and dairy sectors was granted by DBEI following a business case by DAFM.

Competitiveness Collaboration

• Following the successful €150 million ‘Agriculture Cashflow Loan Scheme’ in 2017, Minister Creed, with Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform launched a new €300 million ‘Brexit Loan Scheme’ for Brexit-impacted SMEs and mid-cap businesses in March. DAFM’s €9 million funding


ensures that at least 40% of the fund will be available to food businesses.

• BIM met with the Irish Strategic Investment Fund and outlined opportunities in the sector including progress on processing centres associated with international landings.

• DAFM developed a new five year National Strategy for producer organisations operating in the fruit and vegetable sectors. The priorities set out in this five year strategy of improved competitiveness, market development and innovation has been informed by industry stakeholders and is focused on delivering sustainability of production and assisting the sector take advantage of new opportunities and develops new offerings.

• Industry consultation in the establishment of beef producer organisations is ongoing.

Market Development Collaboration

• To support the challenge of retaining and developing export markets, particularly outside the EU, Minister Creed has led an intensified series of trade missions and inward visits.

• Working on increasing Ireland’s Global Footprint through increased targeted Trade Missions, working closely with the embassy network on trade issues, examining the location of agriculture attachés and agency staff and looking at detailed plans to open ‘hire’ posts.

• The Marine Institute is providing testing for the Oyster Industry as part of a norovirus risk management project funded by BIM. This is a two year project which commenced in March 2018.

Innovation Collaboration

• DAFM and the Department of Rural and Community Development launched a €15 million Leader Food Initiative for artisan/small food and beverage businesses. This initiative complements Food Works developed by Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland for start-up food entrepreneurs and retailer programmes including Supervalu’s Food Academy.

• Enterprise Ireland is continuing to drive collaborative research across a number of initiatives e.g. Technology Gateways and Centres and the Innovation Partnership Programme.

• Teagasc continues to lead collaboration with other research institutions and industry to derive applications from the significant state investment in foods for health.


UPDATE ON THE SECTORSValue of primary production

Cattle €2.4b

Pigs €520m

Sheep €263m

Poultry €163m

Milk €2.6b

Cereals €243m

Fisheries €543m*

Forestry €445m*

Source: CSO, BIM, DAFM

*Provisional 2017 figures

Export value 2017

Beef €2.4b

Pigs €792m

Sheep €310m

Poultry €278m

Dairy produce €4.6b

Cereals and cereal preparations €417m

Fisheries €614m*

Forestry €355m*

Prepared Consumer Foods €2.8b

Source: CSO Trade Statistics 2017, DAFM

*Provisional 2017 figures


INNOVATION & GROWTHThe Government’s mission is to increase Ireland’s RDI intensity to 2.5% of GNP by 2020.

Food Wise also stresses the importance of research and innovation. The Food Wise Innovation recommendations are being translated into the research agenda of DAFM and the State agencies. The Department has invested some €124 million over the last five years through its competitive research programmes focused on the SHARP strategy and it also provides around €50 million a year to Teagasc for its research work. This funding is underpinning excellence in public good research work in Teagasc and in third level institutions. However, it must be emphasised that, now more than ever, the industry also needs to prioritise R&D investment. There is a need for a significant step-up in that regard.

Food Wise 2025 recommended the establishment of a High Level Innovation Team to review current agri-food sector innovation capacity, the utilisation of this capacity and to better market the Irish agri-food sector’s innovation capabilities.

The High Level Team will report back to the HLIC on the global challenges of producing quality food around issues such as (i) sustainability (ii) diet and nutrition, and (iii) technology, and all in the context of political threats such as Brexit.

Innovation & Teagasc

Teagasc provides science-based research and innovation for the food sector in Ireland aligned to achieve the targets set out in Food Wise 2025. By value, the amount of collaborative research conducted by Teagasc with industry has increased in 2017/2018, with that for contract consultancy, analysis and training similar to previous years. Successful outcomes from Teagasc’s Food Programme include continued engagement in public private partnerships - a key trend that has increased over recent years, i.e. more researcher-led and less contractor-like projects. The driver here, anchored to the ‘Local Roots, Global Reach’ theme of Food Wise 2025, is the targeted nature of the research programme, which identifies core food research needs such as the requirement to produce sustainable, quality and safe food to reach far away markets. Teagasc has introduced a new fifth food research department in 2018, the Quality and Sensory Science Department, which along with the existing four departments provided scientific support during this reporting period


to enable the food sector to deliver technical solutions to support export to these markets.

Examples of outputs from the inter-disciplinary approach adopted by the Teagasc Food Programme in 2017 include:

• Profiling Milk and Dairy Products made from Grass: Demonstrating that pasture-based feeding has a beneficial impact on the nutritional composition of milk and dairy products at both macro and micro-nutrient (e.g., fatty acids) level. Several compounds have been identified as being significantly higher in pasture-derived products, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and β-carotene (characteristic yellow colour), and it has been shown that diet-induced alterations to milk can alter processing and sensory properties of dairy products, facilitating new opportunities for export.

• New Methodologies to Ensure the Highest Standards in Food Safety for Export: The development of new chromatography methodologies for residue analysis and sequencing technologies for identification of microbiota to ensure highest standards in the safety of our dairy products.

• Sensory Science Capabilities: Teagasc has expanded its sensory science infrastructure (doubling its capacity), along with recruiting a dedicated scientist to develop the area, including introduction of augmented and virtual reality for food applications.

• New Food Processing Strategies: A number of new food processing strategies have been evaluated, including separation equipment for valorisation of milk coupled with alternative thermal processing technologies for increasing the shelf life of foods in a non-destructive way.

These new investments, coupled with increased engagement on industry in-house-led initiatives and leveraging recent advances in global food manufacturing technology, have enabled Teagasc to generate new collaborations with end users in these emerging markets abroad, creating new opportunities for Irish-based food companies.

Other areas of development include new projects initiated through BIM’s Seafood Development Centre, which provides a science platform for use by the marine sector.

Teagasc are heavily involved in the collaborative approach to innovation as outlined in Food Wise 2025:

1. Food Wise 2025 recommended the establishment of the National Food Innovation Hub at Teagasc Moorepark, and funding for this hub was provided in Budget 2018. It will house industry clients, allowing them to utilise laboratory and pilot plant facilities and further build collaborative research projects to support research and development.

• The National Food Innovation Hub project is part of a broader strategic framework funded by DAFM to encourage research and development in the agri-food sector. The inclusion of a large number of topics relating to food in DAFM’s recent Call for Research Proposals very much underscores the Department’s commitment to this effort. Publicly funded research is now even more necessary to help drive innovation, competitiveness and long-term sustainability in the food sector as we prepare for Brexit.

• Food Wise 2025 also recommended that Teagasc and the dairy industry complete the €10 million upgrade of Moorepark Technology Limited (MTL) pilot plant to underpin the expansion in milk production.


• The establishment of a meat technology centre, Meat Technology Ireland as a centre of excellence for meat processing and innovation was a key recommendation of Food Wise 2025, and Meat Technology Ireland (MTI) was officially launched in April 2017. The Centre will fuel growth in the Irish beef and sheep meat sectors by creating, validating and commercialising a pipeline of science and technology based innovations, leading to enhanced processes and product development. The research programme formally started with the arrival of the first full-time staff mid-June 2017 and is now well underway.

• Five state-of-the-art reports in genetics/genomics, meat tenderness management, cio-burden/shelf-life, carcass characterisation and bio-markers in grass-fed beef have been issued to the consortium. Six publications have been submitted ranging from genetics and genomics for improving beef quality, to the role of meat in the diet of Irish adults (18 to 90 years). MTI has also secured additional competitive funding amounting to an additional 14% to the core grant from Enterprise Ireland.

2. DAFM will be funding a €5 million investment in capital equipment for the Prepared Consumer Food Production (PCF) Centre, in the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, to purchase specialist processing and packaging equipment which companies can pilot, with a view to scaling up their production and/or operations. The vision for the Centre is to support PCF companies in piloting internal research and innovation capability that will enable it to maximise value creation opportunities to address the challenges and opportunities across the industry and to enable the adaption of technology to enhance consumer demands and competitiveness. The PCF centre is expected to be operational by September 2018.


Dairy Concepts IRL (DCI), a consumer-led R&D company based at Teagasc Moorepark and

a Teagasc spin out company, was established in 2012 to create innovative dairy snacks with global potential. After five years of extensive development and collaboration with Teagasc and licensing of Teagasc IP, the company has just launched its first product in the Irish/UK market. The idea emanated from the Food Works initiative between Teagasc, Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland, a business development programme aimed at fostering food entrepreneurs to develop an initial concept into a winning food product with international appeal. In addition to a commercial licence negotiated between DCI and Teagasc for exclusive access to the platform technology in the development of innovative dairy snacks, DCI and Teagasc have plans to collaborate on additional new product development opportunities.

A DNA-chip with 51,575 unique DNA markers has been developed for Irish sheep. The DNA markers are informative within the main Irish sheep breeds and are agnostic to chip vendor or service provider. The markers are highly accurate for not only parentage verification, but also parentage discovery. Furthermore, they can be used to accurately quantify breed composition as well as increasing the accuracy of genetic evaluations. Moreover, DNA variants with known major effects such as fecundity and scrapie exist within the bespoke panel. Irish sheep farmers funded the genotyping of several thousand sheep on this panel in 2017.

Education and Innovation in Teagasc

Teagasc recently completed an extensive stakeholder consultation process to develop a Teagasc Education Strategic Vision to meet future education needs of the land sector. Key innovations recommended include:

• The introduction of problem-based learning approaches in regard to teaching and learning approach to foster the development of learners’ transversal skills.

• The development of apprenticeship programmes to complement traditional Teagasc education pathways.

(i) DAIRY CONCEPTS LTD LAUNCH OF CHILDREN’S DAIRY SNACK IN 2018

(ii) LOW-COST DNA SCREENING IN SHEEP


In recent years Teagasc initiated an M. Agric. Sc. (Innovation Support) programme in collaboration with University College Dublin. These ‘MAIS’ post-graduate studies are used as a catalyst to encourage innovation and/or to refine existing education and knowledge transfer methodologies. Conclusions and insights from agricultural education related studies completed to date highlight:

• The importance of on-farm placement and practical instruction as enablers of student learning.

• Opportunities to harness digital technologies more effectively for delivery and learning.

• The scope to use social media to communicate with learners.

• The need to integrate sustainable and environmental best practice with husbandry practice.

• The need for greater pedagogical training opportunities and support for Teagasc educators.

• The strong technical performance of recent graduates of the Teagasc Level 6 Dairy Herd Management programme but also their need for further up-skilling in regard to business and financial management post-graduation.

MAIS PROGRAMME


Innovation and Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland supports the delivery of the Food Wise 2025 projections and the continued growth of food and beverage companies. Enterprise Ireland’s vision for the food sector is that Ireland’s food and beverage companies will continue to be a global source of high quality, market led, innovative products and solutions. Working with client companies across the three strategic pillars of innovation, competitiveness and leadership, Enterprise Ireland will support food and beverage clients.

Enterprise Ireland carried out a survey in 2016 which showed that firms who availed of innovation supports from them reported an average 67% growth in global sales.

Successful exporters in this most competitive of markets must be innovative by their nature. They must be capable of extremely rapid responses to changes in consumer demand while at the same time be able to meet the exacting requirements of the grocery multiples when it comes to price, quality, and new product development. At its simplest, innovation in food and beverage

products is the market-led development of new or improved products to meet changing customer needs, but it is actually much more multifaceted than that. It is about embracing an innovation culture right throughout the whole business. It means taking a customer-centric approach in all aspects of the company, from the people hired through to the technology and processes utilised, the packaging of the products and the way they are branded and sold.

Enterprise Ireland has a broad range of support programmes to enable food client companies to innovate and compete on international export markets in order to achieve scale. It takes a developmental approach to deliver on its strategic objectives. Working in partnership with clients, all aspects of business development are explored in a holistic way, including business strategy, innovation and R&D, new product & process development, continuous competitiveness and productivity improvements, leadership and management development, and access to finance.

Enterprise Ireland offer financial and non-financial supports that are designed to match clients’ ambition at every stage of company development. It backs the innovation activities of food and beverages clients using the range of supports available to them, both direct funding supports to client companies and through funding towards collaborative activities as well as non-financial supports including management development supports and advice to support companies on their scaling journey.


• Exploring Innovation Grants: Incentivising companies to undertake complete strategic planning of RD&I activity including taking time to look at best practice and to identify opportunities for collaboration. Projects will generally result in the development of a project plan that could form the basis of an application for R&D or other relevant funding from Enterprise Ireland.

• Key Manager: Funding of up to €50,000 for SMEs towards the cost of recruiting manager with skills that are critical to the future growth of the client. Examples of key manager positions include Chief Technology Officer, R&D Manager and Head of New Product Development.

• In-house Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) Fund: Supporting the development of new or substantially improved products, services or processes. Projects can range from solving technical challenges (R&D) to innovations in services delivery or business models (Business Innovation).

• Innovation 4 Growth: Enterprise Ireland has partnered with the Irish Management Institute to deliver this programme which helps to fast-

track participants through an end-to-end innovation learning and practice journey, supporting them to deliver innovative initiatives within their teams.

• Innovation Vouchers: All small companies can apply for a €5,000 voucher to pay a registered knowledge provider to solve a technical or business challenge.

• Innovation Partnership Programme: Financial support to companies who engage in collaborative research projects with Irish universities and Institutes of Technology.

• Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI): KTI helps companies to more easily find technology, expertise, IP and facilities available in Ireland’s higher education institutions and State research organisations.

• EU Research and Innovation Supports: Enterprise Ireland works with DAFM to introduce Irish food companies and researchers to many international programmes that stimulate and improve collaboration between companies in different EU member states and can assist clients to tender for EU agency contracts.

SOME OF THESE SUPPORTS ARE;


In May 2018, DBEI announced the establishment of a new ‘Irish Food Tech’ cluster within the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network which has secured DBEI funding for the five year period from 2018-2022. The Irish Food Tech Cluster is a consortium of seven of Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateways operating within the food and beverage technology sector. The cluster provides a range of expertise for companies who are looking to access near to market innovation and solutions in a wide selection of areas that include bioprocessing, food for health, process control and packaging amongst many others.

Enterprise Ireland are heavily involved in the collaborative approach to innovation as outlined in Food Wise 2025:

1. Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC)

The Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DTPC) is made up of eight dairy industry partners and nine research performing partners. The strategic importance of the DPTC to the dairy sector is reflected by the involvement of eight of Ireland’s primary processers. The centre, which was established in 2014 with a budget of €25 million in place for the five years to 2019 comprised of

€16 million in Enterprise Ireland funding and €9 million from industry including €3 million in in-kind contributions. The strategic context for the research needs as identified by the industry group is shaped by the key grand challenges facing the Irish dairy industry. To provide necessary structure, the research programme has been organised under five thematic research pillars;

1. Cost competitiveness in dairy processing

2. Next generation dairy processing science and technology

3. Innovating for value through dairy processing

4. Product quality and safety by design

5. Environmental sustainability – towards a zero-emissions Irish dairy industry

The DPTC held an information day in May to stimulate ideas and discussion about the DPTC future strategic roadmap and to guide the future direction of the centre beyond 2019. Themes covered during the session included the market, regulation and policy landscape, sustainability and environmental performance and process efficiencies. A detailed interim review of the centre will take place in Q3 of this year to ensure that the overall programme is progressing as proposed and that the metrics framework, as agreed is in track

and that the DPTC is meeting the industry needs. This review will involve Enterprise Ireland, relevant State agencies, Departments and international experts.

2. Food for Health Ireland (FHI)

Food for Health Ireland 2 (FHI2) is based at O’Brien Science Centre, UCD and is hosted by UCD. The precursor centre FHI was hosted in UCC and was the pilot for the overall Technology Centres Programme. Both FHI and FHI2 were funded through a detailed contract between the universities, industry partners and Enterprise Ireland. All stakeholders in FHI jointly agreed the deliverables for FHI-2. They reflect the three core objectives for FHI:

1. Excellence in science to improve health, wellness and quality of life

2. Successful commercialisation of scientific results

3. Promotion of Ireland Inc. to the global food industry and other stakeholders

An independent external evaluation of the FHI2 Centre was carried out during 2017. The review consisted an in-depth analysis of centre performance, compliance with programme guidance, impact and future impact potential


on industry in Ireland and appropriateness of governance and management. Based on the positive findings of this review FHI2 have been invited to submit a detailed proposal for further funding for applied research. Proposals with be considered by Enterprise Ireland’s Board.

3. Meat Technology Ireland (MTI)

Meat Technology Ireland (MTI) is an €8.1 million five-year research and innovation programme, developed by industry and co-funded by Enterprise Ireland and a consortium of nine beef and sheepmeat processing companies. The MTI is hosted by Teagasc at its Ashtown Food Research facility with Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), Dublin City University (DCU), University College Cork (UCC) and the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation (ICBF) involved as research providers. The Centre has an agreed research programme focused on research areas including Genomics, Tenderness, Shelf-Life, Carcass Characterisation, Meat and Health.

To address the talent issue for clients in the Innovation/R&D space, a pilot programme for ‘Work Ready’ graduates was established to leverage the existing links between the Technology Centres and their client company base and beyond. This will provide a new pool of industry relevant RDI individuals that can ‘hit the ground running’ in SMEs and address the skills and absorptive capacity gaps that are prevalent in EI client companies. The pilot will support the development of six such graduates in the Meat Technology Centre in 2018.


PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (PGI)

Within the European agricultural system, different regions have over generations produced cheese, wine and other

products in a way that is unique and traditional to a locality. The Common Agricultural Policy protects such products through Geographical Indications (GI), which recognise food that is linked to a geographical region, by reason of reputation, local ingredients or production method, and an EU labelling system and logo mark products for consumers.

Agricultural products, drinks and foodstuffs can apply for GI status where a clear link exists between the characteristics of a product or

foodstuff and the defined geographical area. The products need not be unique, but the characteristics of the region- topographic, savoir-faire, reputation, and natural resources; must have an impact on the characteristics of the product.

GIs are a type of intellectual property. PGI designations are linked to a region or to a production method, are protected from imitation and misuse of the name. The EU logo and recognition that these are quality products may assist products to command a price premium. GI producers must maintain the quality of the product, comply with scheme specifications and meet control requirements.

Protection of Geographical Indications (PGI):

• Product must be produced or processed or prepared in the geographical area (PGI)

• Specific quality, reputation or other characteristics attributable to that area

• The geographical link is not a core attribute but production must take place in a defined geographic area


Connemara Hill Lamb

In February 2007, Connemara Hill Lamb became the first Irish meat to achieve the coveted European PGI status. It is a recipient of Euro-toques food award, Irish Food Writers award for its contribution to Irish food plus Overall Gold Q Irish Quality Food Awards ‘the very best of the best’.

Connemara Hill Lamb is the meat from lambs of the Black faced/Brecked breed Dam, born and raised in a Connemara Mayo Black faced/Brecked Ewe flock and on land farmed within the geographical area.

Lambs are born in the spring generally from April onwards (later than other Irish lamb) and are suckled on the ewe for the natural lactating period of up to 16 weeks or throughout their lives.

The lambs are indigenous to the region, maturing at a slower rate gaining the benefits of their natural habitat. They are light in body-weight and bone and the carcass is lean with a light cover of fat, the meat is rose red in colour and has a solid deep texture. The lamb has a natural succulent flavour and taste with a very pronounced aroma. The lambs are left free to graze on the hilly habitat. The landscape of this area is characterised by its mountains, bogs and lakes. The taste, flavour and colour of Connemara Hill Lamb are directly linked to the local flora on which the lambs are grazed. The diet is mountain grass, heathers and herbs, common to the area of production.

The geographical area is that west of the Corrib Basin from Galway city to Westport including the Aran Islands (Inishmaan, Inisheer, Inishmore) Inishshark, Omey, Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island and all uninhabited islands which

represent an area in the West of Ireland known internationally as Connemara.

Connemara Hill Lamb can be traced to the early nineteenth century. Farmers are registered herd owners with DAFM and must farm Connemara/Mayo Black faced/Brecked Ewes with choice of sire. The herd owner must farm within the designated geographical area.

In order to ensure full traceability from farm to slaughter all lambs are affixed with a special ear tag and carcass swing tag. The swing tags, containing the producer number are issued by Connemara Hill Lamb Ltd and records are maintained to cross check against abattoir kill documentation.

The geographical indication ‘Connemara Hill Lamb’ or ‘Uain Sléibhe Chonamara’ must appear on carcases, parts of carcases or cuts in combination with the PGI symbol.

IT’S NATURAL


Waterford Blaa

Today, the blaa, once the staple of every Waterford diet is now enjoyed in Dubai, Derry, Dusseldorf and Dublin. Brothers Michael and Dermot Walsh of Walsh’s Bakehouse are third generation bakers, and were determined to carry on the tradition of their grandfather, Patrick Walsh, a former soldier with the British Army and latterly, a master baker.

Even though it was a revered speciality in Waterford, the blaa did not travel well and extending its shelf life had in the past proved difficult to overcome. This was because the blaa contains no artificial additives made from preservative free bakers’ flour, table salt, yeast, dough conditioner and water.

When the bakery won a much-coveted prize at the Euro Toques awards in 2008, an industry colleague remarked that if the blaas could be frozen without

compromising the flavour, broad new markets could be reached, and so set the brothers on the path to investing in the means to make this happen. What followed was a long process of consultations, researching, planning, financing and ultimately delivering a new departure for the enterprising duo and the Waterford Blaa. Investment was made in a freezer room which allowed them to blast freeze the blaas and supply them throughout Ireland, Europe and further afield.

In 2013 the Waterford Blaa received the highest recognition as a quality European foodstuff, the PGI status. This prestigious designation meant that the Waterford Blaa could claim its place among the ranks of internationally renowned products such as Italy’s Parma Ham, France’s Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Greece’s Kalamata Olive Oil and guarantees an authentic heritage product.

Today, Dermot and Michael own one of only three bakeries that still bake the Waterford Blaa.

In autumn 2017, a sizeable investment was made in the Walsh’s Bakehouse facility. Maintaining the same great flavour, traditional skills and unrivalled quality is a challenge relished by the brothers.

Uniquely the new bakery allows Walsh’s Bakehouse to develop a food tourism offering. With increased visitor numbers to the area between the Waterford Viking Triangle, Waterford Crystal and the hugely successful Greenway, they want a truly authentic food experience. They want to meet the producer, hear the story and get hands on with the product. Working with Ireland’s Ancient East, and Food the Waterford Way offers a unique opportunity to develop an authentic food experience for visitors.


CASE STUDIESClarke’s Fresh Fruit

Clarke’s Fresh Fruit, has established a reputation for the production of quality fresh fruit over the past 50 years. Pat Clarke has had a keen interest in strawberries from a very young age. In fact, the seed of today’s complex business started in the 60’s, when he planted the first ten drills on the family farm.

From May to November fruit is produced seven days a week. Continual development takes place in line with consumer demands for fresh quality produce with least air miles. It employs up to 140 people and uses the most advanced technology while working in close harmony with natural resources. Cropping techniques are monitored

closely and constantly evaluated and the use of organic compost and certified plants (Elite Stock) ensures best quality tasteful produce. All of the fruit is grown on the farm and is picked, packed and dispatched on the same day to guarantee freshness. As a Bord Bia quality assured soft fruit producer, Pat prides himself on delivering top quality flavoursome berries to the consumer at all times.

Wicklow Way Wines

Wicklow Way Wines was founded by Pamela Walsh and Brett Stephenson. Having a passion for the environment and Irish grown food, they established an Irish winery focused on making wines from our native Irish berries. Launched at Bloom 2016, Móinéir Irish Strawberry Wine was enjoyed by all in the summer sunshine. Their

most recent wine, the award winning Móinéir Irish Blackberry Wine, was released in autumn 2016. It combines blackberries with wild Irish elderberries to create a deep and luscious berry wine that captures the flavours of late summer and autumn.

Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers

Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers was established in 1984 by Jane and Louis Grubb. It is a second generational family owned business. They specialise in blue cheese making, with the appropriately named Cashel Blue Cheese the principle product. Approximately 40% of the cow’s milk used is sourced from the family farm with the rest sourced locally from farms within a maximum distance of 25km. They also make Crozier Blue Cheese with sheep’s milk.


All milk is used in its natural state, being simply pasteurised, to allow the seasonal variations come through in the finish cheese. Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers is a regular winner of top International cheese awards, most recently winning the ‘Coups de Coeur’ at Salon du Fromage in March 2018. They have consistently won Gold at both the Great Taste Awards and International Cheese Award.

Sustainability is central to Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers. Electricity is 100% renewable, sourced from a mix of solar, wind and alternative technologies. Water is tightly controlled; sourced on site from deep aquifers and then cleaned after use through a reed bed filtration system followed by a state of the art membrane bioreactor treatment plant. Any biomass sludge produced is then extracted, mixed with cattle slurry, and used as fertiliser on the farm.

iASC

iASC Seafood uses the natural goodness of Irish seafood, specifically molluscs and seaweeds, to create a range of world-first products aimed at the B2B, professional and retail markets. The only Irish company to win a Seafood Excellence Award at the Global Seafood Expo, the world’s premier seafood show, iASC has been nominated for a record fourth time in-a-row in 2018. The product range, examples of which are Umami Pearls, Seafood Umami Sauce and Seafood Umami Dressing, is globally unique.

A natural, nutritious and low salt alternative for paste or powder bouillon, Seafood Umami Pearls are made from hand-foraged seaweed and sustainably sourced Irish Atlantic seafood. The rich and savoury flavours blend perfectly with creamy Irish butter and make a perfect addition to any dish, such as seafood risotto, seafood pies,

pomme purée, herb-crusted cod or hake and chowder. This protein-enriched, culinary butter has been developed to bring the magic of Umami to your fish and seafood recipes. Cost-effective in application with zero waste, it accentuates seafood flavours like no other stock, fond or bouillon on the market. Its intense, moreish flavour notes have been described as everything from ‘the fresh taste of the sea’, to ‘the future of Surf n’ Turf.’

iASC takes rope-grown Irish mussels and Irish oysters, dry, sift, sieve and blend them, add dried flakes of Dillisk/Dulse seaweed and seasoning to grass-fed Irish butter. This results in a delicious combination to create what is the world’s first Umami butter. iASC have won several prestigious awards since humble beginnings as an idea of James Grimes and Colin Ross, and subsequently nurtured and developed the business on the Bord Bia Foodworks Programme.


Peter Keogh & Sons

The Keogh family have been farming the land of North County Dublin for the past 200 years. They are the only company to market both potatoes and crisps under the same brand. Their artisan crisps are hand cooked with the highest quality sunflower oil and then seasoned with locally sourced Irish suppliers, such as, the Irish Atlantic Sea Salt from the O’Neill’s family in the Beara Peninsula, Co Cork and the cider vinegar from David Llewellyn’s Orchard in Lusk, Co Dublin.

Keogh’s Potato Crisps are hand cooked in small batches using home grown potatoes from Peter Keogh & Sons farm, ‘from crop to crisp’, grown and cooked with love in Ireland. Recently, Peter Keogh & Sons have landed a major deal with Emirates airline. Their crisps will be served to first class passengers all over the world thanks to a blind

taste test where Keogh’s crisps soared to the top of the ranks.

The Good Herdsman

Good Herdsmen is truly deserving of its name. A genuine respect for its livestock, coupled with a deep commitment to sustainable practices has helped secure the company’s position as one of the most trusted organic meat processors in the business. The largest dedicated organic meat processor in Ireland, Good Herdsmen has been a pioneer of the organic market for almost 28 years. Good Herdsmen also farms 1,000 acres to organic principles which gives this company its vital competitive advantage. The company also winter finish 1,200 organic cattle, guaranteeing supply all year round.

Their organic retail steak range launched in one of Germany’s largest organic supermarkets is proving very popular. Grass-fed beef in attractive newly re-branded packaging and extra matured for the perfect taste, positions it rightfully as an Irish speciality product with the added bonus of organic credentials. Various 5 Star Hotels in France & Switzerland have been wowed by the organic meat selected for them.

Social Farming

(i) South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP)

South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP) is one of the successful applicants funded by DAFM through the Rural Innovation Development Fund (RIDF). They offer the opportunity for farming families to engage with people with


disabilities in a constructive way. Through this programme people with disabilities can be brought to farms and work outdoors with animals, horticulture and odd jobs on the farmland. The project is underpinned by themes such as, inclusion, engagement and mental well-being while both benefiting the farmer and the local community as a whole. SKDP describe their vision as ‘to promote and operate social farming in Kerry as a viable option for achieving improved quality of life, greater inclusion and community networking for people with disabilities’. Social farming is widely practiced across Europe with the beneficial effects commonly observed by the proactive farming community members and the participants alike. Currently, there are 17 farms signed up to the scheme and up to 36 participants have availed of Kerry Social Farming opportunities to date.

(ii) Social Farming Network

DAFM also funded the establishment of the Social Farming Network across Ireland. The contract with Leitrim Development Company Social Farming Network was extended to October 2018 and supports the development of a national social farming network in collaboration with other Local Development Companies.

“Local Roots, Global Reach”

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designed by

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