Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is a central governmental entity in Ireland, playing a pivotal role in the management and regulation of the country's agricultural sector, with a significant focus on the dairy industry.
Location
The headquarters of DAFM is located in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. To ensure efficient management and supervision of agricultural activities, DAFM operates several regional offices throughout the country.
Financial Indicators
As a governmental organization, DAFM does not operate on a profit or revenue basis. The department's success is measured by the efficacy of its policies and the level of support it provides to the agricultural sector. This includes funding for research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of dairy production.
Important Events
A notable figure associated with DAFM is Jim Beecher, who served as an assistant secretary and chaired Dairy Research Ireland. This highlights the department's commitment to research and innovation within the dairy sector.
In a recent development, DAFM reported nearly 12,000 declarations for nitrogen excretion rate bands. The department urged farmers who defaulted to confirm their excretion rate band promptly, despite declarations being accepted until December 31, 2026. Additionally, the deadline for applying for the nitrates derogation for 2026 saw 6,797 applications, a decrease from the 7,135 applications submitted in 2025.
Company Plans
DAFM is dedicated to sustaining the dairy industry in Ireland through strategic planning and policy-making. The department's goals include supporting initiatives that improve dairy production efficiency and enhance environmental sustainability. DAFM actively promotes research and innovation to maintain the competitiveness of Ireland's dairy sector on a global scale. Furthermore, the department is focused on ensuring fair compensation for farmers and aims to reduce TB levels, with program costs projected to exceed €100 million in 2024.
Modified: 2026/06/13