Agri-food sector exports has totalled €12.2 billion in 2016, according to the recently published Annual Review and Outlook by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
"The agri-food sector has performed strongly in recent years with the value of exports increasing by about 2% in 2016 to reach €12.2 billion, marking growth of over 56% since 2009." Said Minister Michael Creed.
It stated that its top five export markets, during the period, included the United Kingdom, United States, China (incl. Hong Kong), France and the Netherlands.
Creed said that the agri-food sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and continues to play a crucial role in Ireland’s economic recovery, with a turnover of €26 billion, contributing 7.6% of GDP and generating 10.3% of all exports in 2016.
The DAFM report also stated that employment in the agri-food sector accounted for an average 173,400 jobs, or 8.6% of total employment, on average in 2016, with some seasonal variation.
"The sector also makes a significant contribution to employment, particularly in rural areas, accounting for 8.6% of total employment." Creed added.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
