The contribution of Irish agriculture to the economy and rural development was highlighted by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke at the launch of this year’s Ploughing.

Minister Burke highlighted the importance of agricultural exports, innovation, and the sector’s role in supporting the Irish economy. He pointed to the agri-tech sector, which has around 130 companies accounting for approximately 5,000 jobs and revenues of €1.45bn. This year will mark the 13th year of Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships, with Minister Burke highlighting the new technologies being developed within Irish agriculture.

Innovation

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“When you look at the Innovation Arena, where there’s about 40 exhibitors, you really see where innovation is in farming; finding solutions using modern technology, artificial intelligence and how we can answer so many questions that challenge modern society,” he said.

Minister Burke said Ireland’s position as a major food exporter makes developing the sector particularly important.

“For a country that can feed 40m people and exports 90% of what we produce, it’s so important that we continue to firmly occupy that space at a global stage and ensure that we continue producing food in a way that’s as sustainable as we can. Our agri sector is a thing to cherish.”

The minister also reflected on the contribution the agricultural sector made to Ireland during a difficult economic time.

“As someone as who worked as an accountant during the recessional period, it was always very clear that our agri sector pulled Ireland by the nose out of a recession at that particular point.

“For that we are so grateful and that’s why its so important that we support our farmers and the agri sector and we bring as much innovation as we can to answer some of those questions.”

Minister Burke also has a personal connection to farming and the National Ploughing Championships, having grown up on a small family suckler farm near Mullingar.

“I’ve been coming to the Ploughing Championships since I can remember,” he said. “With the co-operation of my wife, I still try and keep about 35 suckler cows.”

Way of life

While balancing the farm with politics can be difficult, Minister Burke said farming remains an important part of his life and something instilled in him from his father.

“It’s a way of life and it’s an incredible way to destress from work through farming,” he said.

Minister Burke described the Ploughing as a “standout event” in Ireland and in a wider European context, acknowledging An Garda Síochána, the Civil Defence, volunteers and landowners among those who make the event possible. Looking forward to returning to the event this year, he said meeting people remains one of the aspects of both the championships and his political career that he values.

“The nice part of politics is meeting people, constituents, meeting people from all over the country and different walks of life and interacting with them. I hope that never changes. That’s the lifeblood of politics.”