One in eight jobs in the Irish economy are now linked to agri-food and drink, Paul Kelly, director of Food Drink Ireland has said.
Speaking at the launch of a new report detailing the 'critical importance of the sector to Ireland,' Kelly highlighted, that "sustaining growth for the sector is imperative in sustaining the growth of the wider economy."
The Ibec group that represents the food and drink industry, said that the report outlines main strategic challenges and opportunities to be considered by policymakers over the next 10 years'.
“The industry’s competitiveness has declined at a time when both opportunities and challenges are increasing." Kelly said.
Policy Recommendations
The report makes detailed policy recommendations in the areas of skills, competitiveness, market development, innovation, sustainability.
It also highlights that Brexit policy responses must address all scenarios from no deal to future relationship.
"From a competitive standpoint, Irish infrastructure costs such as labour, energy, waste, environment and other business compliance and regulatory costs are significantly out of step against many of the EU competitor economies in whose markets we wish to compete," he added.
"Costs in general facing the sector have increased by 11% from their trough in 2011 with half of those increases coming in the past two years," he added.
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