The Dealer understands talks on the formation of the successor to Food Harvest 2020 – Agri-Food Strategy 2025 – continue apace.

Last week, the group hauled in international advisers and strategists McKinsey to give its input on what shape the sector should take over the next 10 years. Close to 50 groups have submitted their views.

Agri-Food Strategy 2025 is made up of 34 bigwigs from across the farming and food sector. Former Glanbia supremo John Moloney chairs the group, which covers most bases, but there is one glaring omission: the retailers. Surely it’s crucial to know how consumers will be sold their food in the next 10 years?

Minister Coveney said in March that he expects the group to have the strategy formulated by the end of the summer.