Leveraging Ireland’s strengths on the global market
Global sustainability expectations in the agri-food sector are driven by shifting consumer demands, regulatory pressures and competitive market dynamics.
That’s according to Mick Houlihan, Senior Manager in Agri Sustainability, Bord Bia, who recently addressed the Farming for a Better Climate 2025: Practical and Emerging Solutions Conference, organised by the Teagasc Climate Centre and Teagasc Signpost Programme.
For Ireland, he told the delegates in attendance, meeting these expectations requires balancing productivity with environmental targets while sustaining rural communities and protecting long-term commercial relationships.
The unique nature of Ireland’s food production system was also discussed, being described as distinctive, particularly in dairy and beef, due to its grass-based family farms, modern processing sector and established programmes ensuring quality welfare, and traceability. These strengths are supported by leading research and innovation centres, positioning the industry well but also requiring ongoing adaptation as expectations evolve.
For further insights, Dr. Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost Programme Communications and Engagement Specialist, spoke to Mick Houlihan at the conference. Watch the interview on Instagram below:
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The Bord Bia representative also looked at the factors necessary for the Irish agri-food sector to remain competitive in export markets going forward, noting:
- Ireland must prioritise risk management and deliver measurable, credible sustainability outcomes.
- Increasing digitisation, using data to generate insight, and enhancing collaboration across the supply chain are key to demonstrating impact.
- International customers increasingly expect detailed, verified information on environmental performance, and Ireland’s long-developed infrastructure offers a strong platform to meet this demand.
Although global competitors have narrowed Ireland’s historical sustainability advantage, the sector retains significant capacity to improve further, Mick Houlihan noted. This will be achieved by leveraging its strengths, addressing emerging gaps and remaining committed to sustainability.