FDII Chairman Colin Gordon welcomed the publication of the Government’s new agri-food strategy Food Wise 2025. Speaking at a Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) reception at the Irish Pavilion at EXPO Milan last night, he said it was particularly fitting to mark the occasion in the Irish Pavilion at EXPO Milan, the theme of which is Origin Green. Sustainable food production is central to the new strategy and resonates strongly with “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life", which is the core theme of EXPO Milan.
Mr Gordon said "it was an important day for the Irish food industry, particularly the recognition in Food Wise 2025 of the strategic importance of agri-food to the country's future development. This is a clear demonstration that the food and drink sector is critical to Ireland’s economic growth and its social fabric. This is a huge opportunity and responsibility for the Irish food industry with one in seven jobs in the economy linked to agri-food.
"Irish agri-food producers need efficient and open markets domestically, across the single market and increasingly in international markets. FDII strongly supports efforts to make the European single market more efficient. Similarly, with a strong focus on international markets, the conclusion of balanced trade agreements to secure additional market access in strategic growth markets at similar tariff levels to competitors is essential," he concluded.
Also speaking at the EXPO Milan last night were: Bobby McDonagh, Irish Ambassador to Italy; Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia; Mella Frewen, Director General, FoodDrinkEurope, and Mary Rose Burke, Director of Policy and Corporate Affairs, Ibec.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Niall Swan
