The agriculture and food sectors in Ireland account for:
6.6% of GVA at Factor Cost
8.5% of employment.
10% of total exports.
A significant proportion (circa 32%) of Net Foreign Earnings from exports.
The Irish Government's commitment to the agri-food sector remains strong. In the Supplementary Estimate for 2009, 1,985 million was provided for agriculture, fisheries and food and public expenditure will amount to over 3.3 billion when the Department's Vote is combined with EU funding of 1.4 billion. The high proportion of expenditure on local raw material and services as well as the dispersed nature and composition of the sector will ensure that the agri-food sector will play an integral part in the recovery of our economic success and the continued viability of rural and coastal areas.
