The development of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027

A climate smart, environmentally sustainable agri-food sector.

1.

Viable and resilient primary producers with enhanced wellbeing.

2.

Food which is safe, nutritious and appealing: Trusted and valued at home and abroad.

3.

An innovative, competitive and resilient agrifood sector, driven by technology and talent.

4.

Eight cross-cutting Key Strategic Actions (KSA) will drive change and growth across all the horticulture industry’s sub sectors leading to environmental, economic and social sustainability. These eight Strategic Actions have been distilled from the 80 plus actions KPMG initially identified in their report Opportunities for the Irish Horticulture Sector. This distillation, and subsequent ranking in order of effectiveness and cost, is a result of extensive public and stakeholder consultation (July-December 2022) and a multi criteria analysis by KPMG (completed April 2023).

8 Support innovation and diversification

7 I ntegrate Horticulture back into Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System AKIS

6 Better data and information for better insights

5 Research and Development for the industry

8 Key Strategic Actions

3 Establish the framework for a permanent non-EEA seasonal workers’ scheme for the horticulture industry to ensure a reliable supply of skilled seasonal workers in the short to medium term while innovation and research into automation is intensified

4 Review horticulture course availability and suitability for a modern dynamic sector, enabling the educational platforms to attract talent that will drive the horticulture sector to realise its true potential

1 Strengthen the position of the grower in the marketplace

2 Develop a written charter between growers, consolidators and retailers, and increase consumer demand for local, in season, fresh, quality fruit, vegetables and plants

6 National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027