As Ireland assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December, we stand at a pivotal moment for European agriculture. Over the next six months, our collective efforts will shape policies that ensure the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of our agri-food sector – values deeply embedded in Ireland’s farming heritage. Ireland’s EU presidency is an opportunity to lead, innovate, and reinforce Europe’s position as a global standard-bearer in food production.

The challenges we face—geopolitical instability, climate pressures, market volatility—demand bold action. But they also present opportunities: to strengthen rural communities, champion high standards, and ensure farming remains viable for future generations.

As Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, I am committed to working alongside Ireland to deliver on three core objectives: promoting European agri-food excellence, securing a sustainable future for livestock farming, and simplifying policies to empower farmers.

Europe’s agri-food sector is a source of pride and a model of quality. To compete globally, we must ensure European products—produced to the highest standards—are recognised and rewarded. In 2026, the Commission has allocated €205 million for promotion activities, the highest budget ever. This is a clear signal that Europe stands by its farmers.

Central to this effort is the European Food Campaign, a €35 million initiative to encourage Europeans to choose EU agri-food products, foster pride in European quality and strengthen the bond between farmers and citizens.

This campaign is about storytelling—from Irish beef and dairy to Mediterranean olive oil, every product carries a legacy of tradition and care. We want consumers to understand that choosing EU products supports fair wages, rural livelihoods, and sustainability.

Promotion is also about economic diplomacy. Our missions to Japan, Brazil, Thailand, and Mexico combine political engagement with business opportunities, helping producers forge new trade relationships.

For Ireland, renowned for its dairy and beef, these missions offer a chance to diversify markets and ensure fair, reciprocal trade.

Livestock farming is the heartbeat of not only Ireland but all rural Europe. It sustains food security, landscapes, and biodiversity. Yet, the sector faces pressures: animal health risks, volatile markets, and climate challenges. The EU Livestock Strategy, to be presented in the first week of the Irish presidency – on 7 July, will focus on resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability.

The Strategy will push for stronger risk management tools, including insurance and emergency funds. It will also encourage investment in disease prevention and vaccination and better coordination between EU countries.

Europe’s livestock sector is diverse – from Ireland’s grass-based systems to Alpine dairy farms.

The strategy will aim to strengthen value chains for all, so farmers capture more of the retail price and promote quality and market segmentation to ensure premium products command premium prices. It boosts efficiency through technology and innovation.

We must also tackle unfair competition. European farmers operate under strict standards. The strategy, in line with the Vision for Agriculture and Food presented in 2025, will reinforce reciprocity: what is banned in Europe must not enter through the back door.

Consumers demand sustainable, ethical, and climate-friendly livestock products. Measures in the strategy aim to accelerate progress in reducing emissions through better manure management and feed innovation and also improve animal welfare with clearer labels and stricter enforcement, including for imports.

We must support farmers in adopting practices that are both sustainable and profitable. A Protein Plan will accompany the Livestock Strategy to address our dependency on imported feed protein.

Farmers should spend their time farming, not filling out forms. Simplification is at the heart of our agenda. Over the past year, we have reduced administrative burdens in the CAP, strengthened the position of farmers in the food supply chain, and demonstrated our constant support for farmers affected by geopolitical instability, price volatility and climate change.

During Ireland’s presidency, we will push for more flexible funding rules to help address the soaring cost of fertilisers, better crisis response mechanisms and a true partnership with farmers, where policies are designed with them, not for them.

Trust is the foundation of our food system. When farmers believe that Brussels understands their challenges, and when consumers trust that their food is safe and fairly produced, we all benefit.

Ireland’s presidency comes at a critical juncture. As a nation with a global reputation for quality, Ireland is perfectly placed to champion Europe’s agri-food ambitions.

This is an opportunity to advance the Livestock Strategy and ensure it reflects the needs of grass-based systems. By highlighting its world-class dairy and beef, Ireland can drive the European Food Campaign and strengthen agri-food diplomacy, opening new markets for Irish and European producers.

Ireland can also showcase its innovations – from carbon-neutral farming to digital traceability – proving that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.

As we embark on these six months, let us remember: agriculture is not just an industry – it is a way of life. The Irish presidency is a chance to reaffirm our commitment to farmers, rural communities, and the values that define European agriculture: quality, sustainability, and fairness.

To the farmers, producers, and organisations reading this, this is your moment. Engage with the promotion calls. Shape the Livestock Strategy. Challenge us to do better. Because when Europe’s agri-food sector thrives, we all thrive.