Horgan started by welcoming the publication of the report after months of negotiations.

“Well it’s very positive to have gotten to this point,” Horgan said. “It’s good for the sector, it’s good for the economy and hopefully it will be good for the country,” he added.

However, Horgan added a note of caution that profitability for both the farmer and the processor must be at the heart of Food Wise 2025.

“We have to ensure that profitability is at the core of everything we do. It’s positive that we are looking to expand each of the sectors and grow but each of the links along the chain need to remain profitable. If one person along the supply chain isn’t making money then it will be difficult for everyone else,” Horgan said.