The COVID-19 pandemic has placed huge strain on Ireland’s agri-food industry but the sector has responded with the kind of resilience and determination that is embodied by our farmers and food producers.

It’s a credit to everyone in our industry that meat and milk continues to be processed, supply chains remain open and shelves are stocked with food. It’s during difficult times like this that consumers can see and appreciate how important their food is.

Ireland’s economy is facing severe challenges as a result of the virus. However, just like the last downturn, Ireland’s agri-food sector will be ready to support the economic recovery.

With the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, along with the ongoing Government formation talks involving the Green Party, it couldn’t be more appropriate that the theme of the 2020 Irish Farmers Journal/KPMG Agribusiness report is sustainability.

This will be the eighth annual edition of the report produced by the Irish Farmers Journal and our long-standing partners in KPMG whose support makes this report possible every year.

Since Bord Bia launched its Origin Green programme in 2012, Ireland’s food industry has been at the forefront of sustainability.

As you will read in this year’s report, Irish farmers and food producers are not standing still when it comes to climate action, improving biodiversity, switching to renewable energy and transforming our food production system into one that meets the 2050 sustainability goals.

Change

There’s enormous change taking place. However, we must always be aware that true sustainability is a journey that not only delivers for the planet and society, but also provides a fair economic return for the primary producer. We hope you enjoy this year’s report.