INCREASE IN AGRI-FOOD EXPORTS UNDERLINES POTENTIAL OF SECTOR
Saturday, 09 April 2011 14:27

IFA President John Bryan has described the strong food export figures for
2010 as further evidence of the potential of the agri-food sector to
contribute to the country’s economic recovery.

John Bryan said, “The provisional trade figures from the CSO today showing
food and drink exports exceeding €8bn in 2010 underlines the recovery in the
sector. The 10% increase compared to 2009 is also well ahead of the overall
increase of 6%, which illustrates the robust performance of agri-food
relative to other parts of the economy.”

The IFA President said the export performance can be built upon if
Government support for primary producers is maintained through the farm
schemes. “The Food Harvest 2020 Report has identified export growth
potential of 50% over the next ten years. This is achievable with the right
blend of policies and supports.”