Increasing the Resilience of the Food Systems
In Islamic States in Face of Future Food Crises
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4.2.2. Ireland
Background
Agriculture is the largest sector in Ireland. Agri-food generates 7.8% of the country's gross
national income, 11% of its merchandising exports, and 7.9% of its national employment in
2017. Ireland has built a strong reputation for producing and exporting good quality,
sustainable, and safe food. It exportsmost of its agricultural products, with the number of agri-
food sector exports growing 74% in the 2009-2017 period. Agri-food sector exports reached
€13.6 billion in 2017, an 11% increase from 2016. Agri-food sector imports stood at €8.7 billion
during the same period, leading to a trade surplus of €4.9 billion. Ireland is one of the world’s
most efficient food producers measured as carbon footprint per unit of output.264 The
government, private sector and food producers all invest in the Irish food and drink industry
national sustainability program.265
Overview of Food Security in Ireland
Ireland ranked second on the Global Food Security Index 2018, down from first place in 2017.
While Ireland’s score on access and affordability improved in 2018, its score on availability
decreased due to volatility in its agricultural production from weather shocks.
Figure 19: Ireland Food Security Performance
Metric Global
Ranking
Global
Score
Availability 8 83.6
Access and
Affordability
3 87.8
Quality and
Safety
7 84.8
Overall 2 85.5
Source: EIU Food Security Index
Assessing Food Security Pillars
In terms of availability, 4.5 million hectares of Ireland’s total land area (6.9 million hectares) is
used for agriculture, and an additional 730,000 hectares for forestry. Ireland agricultural sector
has an ageing workforce, with almost a quarter of farmholders aged 65 years or older and only
264 DFAM. (2018). Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Foodand theMarine 2018. Retrieved from
265 IIEA. (2016). A Climate-Smart Pathway for Irish Agricultural Development| Exploring the Leadership Opportunity.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Leadership Forum. July 2016. Retrieved from