Ireland's EU Presidency: A Platform for Dairy Sector Promotion
On July 1, Ireland took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time, offering a strategic opportunity to promote its dairy sector. Dairy Industry Ireland (DII) emphasized the potential to showcase Ireland as a leader in advanced nutrition on the European stage.
The Irish presidency occurs during significant negotiations on the EU's Multi-Annual Financial Framework and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It is also expected to play a crucial role in advancing the EU-Mexico agreement and the EU-US trade deal, as well as managing the provisional application of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
Conor Mulvihill, director of DII, detailed the sector's strategic vision, highlighting the successful establishment of Ireland's largest native industry, valued at €17.6 billion. Last year, Ireland processed a record 8.8 billion litres of milk, with expectations of further growth by 2026.
Mulvihill also noted the significant participation in the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership, Europe's largest water improvement initiative, involving nearly 6,000 farmers. Additionally, Ireland is progressing with its national genotyping program, aiming to be the first country to genotype its entire bovine population.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the European Dairy Association, and DII have released a joint document outlining their ambitions for the Irish and European dairy processing sectors during the presidency.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, stated that Ireland's presidency comes at a time of intense change across Europe. He stressed the importance of agriculture and fisheries in ensuring food security, supporting economic competitiveness, and contributing to environmental objectives.
A key priority for Ireland will be to advance negotiations on the CAP post-2027, aiming to secure farm incomes and support rural resilience while maintaining food security and fairness.
