The tillage sector is one of the most carbon-efficient sectors of Irish agriculture.
Drinks Ireland welcomed the inclusion of a target to increase the area under tillage production in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, which was published this week.
The representative body for Irish drinks manufacturers and suppliers inputted to the strategy and pushed for the inclusion of a commitment to increase tillage production.
In a statement, the group said that an implementation plan is now required for the delivery of this target.
Focus spring barley
Director of Drinks Ireland Patricia Callan said that “Ireland’s agriculture and drinks sectors are intrinsically linked .
\Philip Doyle
US tariffs and Brexit stockpiling, along with restrictions on hospitality outlets globally had a negative impact on drinks exports, which fell by 19% to €1.3bn in 2020, Drinks Ireland has said.
The comments came as Bord Bia launched its Performance and Prospects report, with the representative body for drink manufactures and suppliers in Ireland highlighting significant impact on production and domestic sales during 2020.
Drinks Ireland also highlights that declines in exports do not reflect a decline in sales, as a significant volume of Irish spirits was in place in the US market at the start of 2020.
Rebound in 2021
Director of Drinks Ireland Patricia Callan has said that 2021 will continue to be challenging for the sector, as it seeks to recover from the impact of the pandemic and navigates the challenges of Brexit and US tariffs.