Ireland agriculture took centre stage in Stockholm as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD addressed the 12th Congress of European Farmers and outlined Ireland’s priorities during its EU Presidency. His visit also promoted Irish food exports and strengthened commercial links with Sweden.
At the COPA-COGECA Congress, Minister Heydon engaged with farming organisations and cooperative representatives on the future of European agriculture. He stressed that farmers need a fair income, confidence to invest and a strong role in securing Europe’s food supply.
Ireland Agriculture Priorities Focus on CAP and Farm Competitiveness
Minister Heydon highlighted the publication of Ireland’s revised Negotiating Box and the Presidency’s focus on competitiveness and generational renewal. These issues are central to the future of farming communities, particularly as policymakers consider how the Common Agricultural Policy can support productive and resilient farms.
Ireland is also seeking progress on the future CAP Regulation, with the objective of reaching a Partial General Approach at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting scheduled for 26–27 October 2026. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said Ireland’s approach will focus on listening, building consensus and advancing practical solutions.
The Minister referred to the Presidency slogan, “Ní neart go cur le chéile” — strength with unity — as a guiding principle for cooperation between governments, farmers and agricultural organisations.
Key themes discussed in Stockholm
- Fair and sustainable incomes for farmers
- Competitiveness across the European agri-food sector
- Generational renewal and confidence for young farmers
- Food security and resilient agricultural communities
- Future negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy
Ireland House Opens as Agri-Food Trade Hub in Sweden
During the Stockholm visit, Minister Heydon officially opened Ireland House, which brings together the Embassy of Ireland, Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. The facility provides a platform for developing diplomatic, cultural and commercial relationships between Ireland and Sweden.
The opening also allowed the Minister to meet Swedish food and drink customers and business partners. Sweden is Ireland’s largest export market in the Nordic region, and Irish food and drink exports to the country reached approximately €163.5 million in the first seven months of 2026. That represented an increase of 8% compared with the same period in 2025.
The visit reflected the contribution of State agencies, including Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland, in supporting Irish producers and exporters in international markets.
Minister visits major Swedish retailer
Minister Heydon also visited Axfood, one of Sweden’s leading grocery retailers and an important customer for Irish beef. The visit offered an opportunity to examine the strength of the Irish-Swedish food supply chain and the position of Irish produce in Nordic retail.
Why the European Farmers Congress Matters
COPA and COGECA represent farmers and agricultural cooperatives across the European Union. Founded in 1958 and 1959 respectively, the organisations provide a collective voice for national farming unions and cooperative bodies.
The Stockholm congress gave Ireland an opportunity to present its Presidency priorities directly to European agricultural representatives. It also reinforced the importance of cooperation between policymakers, farming families, cooperatives and food businesses.
Conclusion
Ireland agriculture is balancing domestic farm priorities with wider European decisions on competitiveness, food security and the future CAP. Minister Heydon’s Stockholm engagements combined policy discussions with practical trade promotion, underlining the importance of both strong representation in Europe and international markets for Irish food producers.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
