Following the passage of the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill of 2022, the Government of Ireland will soon appoint an Agri-Food Regulator with broad powers to advance agriculture in the nation and to promote the interests of farmers, fishermen and those involved in the food processing chain.  The Bill aims to increase justice and transparency in the food supply.

The Agri-Food Regulator and staff will be tasked with increasing transparency in the food supply chain by analyzing prices and market data and publishing reports on a regular basis.  The Regulator will monitor unfair trading and promote public awareness through information campaigns.

The Agri-Food Regulator will have enforcement powers and can impose fines in the event of proven cases of illegal activities impacting farmers and suppliers.

In 2021, Ireland identified 135,000 farms, 2,000 fishing vessels and 2,000 food production and beverage enterprises.  Approximately seven percent of the total work force in Ireland is involved in some aspect of farming and food production.