Ireland's food and drink sector is a"key lever"in the country's plans to drive economic growth,Prime Minister Enda Kenny has told just-food.
The Taoiseach yesterday(22 October)visited the SIAL trade exhibition in Paris to provide public support to the industry's food and drink industries.
Mr Kenny launched Origin Green,a programme drawn up by the sector to promote Irish food and drink manufacturers moves to operate sustainably.
Speaking at the stand of Bord Bia,the Irish Food Board,he emphasised the industry's role in boosting the country's economy.
It's very important,not only in the sense we were able to export over EUR8bn food and drink last year but for the jobs it creates,"Mr Kenny said."For example,The Kerry Group will now invest EUR100m in a research centre in County Kildare,which will be a magnet for international companies."
He added:"We see ourselves being able to produce enough food for 5m people to producing enough food to feed 15m people by 2020."
