EPA - Ireland's Environment 2016

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Chapter 12: Environment and Agriculture

Agriculture

Introduction

Value of agriculture in Ireland

Agriculture in Ireland is economically,

socially and culturally important.

Farming has been an important and integral facet

of Ireland’s economic, social and cultural history for

many thousands of years but recent decades have seen

substantial changes in how farming is carried out. These

changes together with comparatively abundant natural

resources have led to Ireland being a major meat, dairy

and food exporting country.

Agricultural practices have shaped Ireland’s countryside

and landscape. Along with the production of food,

farmers and farming can provide valuable ecosystem

services to society such as safe, clean water, regulation of

nutrient cycles, control of disease, crop pollination, and

enhancement of biodiversity as well as cultural, spiritual

and recreational benefits.

In recent years, the potential for agriculture and its

associated agri-food industry to support growth in the

Irish economy has been highlighted in two strategies:

Food Harvest 2020

and Food Wise 2025.

These have

been developed to increase the export and employment

contribution of the sector in a manner that is compatible

with sustainable growth. The Irish agri-food (agriculture,

forestry and fishing) sector accounted for 7.6% of national

gross value added in 2014. Primary production accounted

for €4,189 million with €8,562 million coming from the

manufacture of food and beverage products (DAFM, 2016a).

The Context of Irish Farming

Irish farming practice is shaped by its biophysical and

climate context.

The variability in weather and soils create the biophysical

environment in which farmers and land owners operate

but cannot control.