Ireland’s agribusinesses, like many other businesses in the country, use banks for the majority of their funding needs. In fact, 60% of Ireland’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use bank borrowings, significantly higher than the EU average of 39%. The reason is that in the past the main banks had no real competition in Ireland. But this is changing, just like it is across Europe. In the US, as little as 10% of borrowing is done through traditional banks in some sectors.

One thing is clear: Irish agri and food businesses need increased investment to seize the opportunities ahead. Following the economic crash and the tightening of bank finance, there is a greater appetite for companies looking to alternative sources of funds. There is also a greater range of funding on offer, including private and corporate investors allied with a range of structures through which to run the investment.

To provide insights and expertise on the alternative sources for your business, the Irish Farmers Journal, along with Kennedys law firm, is running a half-day conference on alternative financing options for the agri sector on 5 November at The Marker Hotel, Dublin 2.

To book your place click here.

For further information, email conference@farmersjournal.ie or call 01-4199578.