Minister Heydon champions Irish farming at European congress

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, recently addressed the 12th Congress of European Farmers held in Stockholm, where he outlined Ireland’s priorities during its Presidency and engaged with representatives from farming and cooperative sectors across Europe. He stressed the need for farmers to secure fair incomes and confidence to invest, vital for competitiveness, food security, and sustaining rural communities.

At the COPA-COGECA Congress, Minister Heydon highlighted the publication of the Irish Presidency’s revised Negotiating Box, focusing on competitiveness and generational renewal. He reiterated the aim to reach a Partial General Approach on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Regulation at the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council scheduled for 26–27 October. He expressed Ireland’s commitment to fostering consensus and practical solutions that inspire confidence among farming families, emphasising the Presidency’s slogan, Ní neart go cur le chéile (Strength in unity).

During his visit, the Minister officially opened Ireland House, which houses the Embassy of Ireland, Bord Bia, and Enterprise Ireland. This event provided a platform to engage with key Swedish food and drink partners, strengthening commercial, diplomatic, and cultural links between Ireland and Sweden. He also visited Axfood, a leading Swedish grocery retailer and major customer of Irish beef. Sweden remains Ireland’s largest export market in the Nordic region, with food and drink exports reaching approximately €163.5 million in the first seven months of 2026, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025.