Overview
Ireland has a much higher percentage of its territory and population living in rural areas compared to the EU average. Ireland has an estimated 6.9 million hectares of land, of which about 64% are suitable for agriculture. Ireland has 127 000 active farmers and the total labour productivity in this sector is high. However, despite high levels of productivity, employees in this sector have low-income levels compared to other sectors of the economy. The agri-food sector accounts for 4.3% of the country’s economy (total GVA). Irish exports of agri-food products account for around 9% of total merchandising exports.
Goal and strategy
Ireland has designed a strategy to promote the sustainable development of the farming and food sector by supporting viable farm incomes and enhancing competitiveness. The Irish CAP Plan also contributes to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels and aims to improve socio-economic conditions in rural areas.
Overview of key elements and choices defined by Ireland in its approved CAP Strategic Plan for the implementation of the CAP 2023-27.
- Sracfhéachaint ar: Phlean Straitéiseach CBT na hÉireann
The full CSP and its amendments are available on the national authorities' webpage: Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. The completeness of the information provided in the link is solely the responsibility of the competent national authorities.
Annual performance reports
Ireland presents the performance, spending, outputs, and results achieved with the CSP in the annual performance report. It covers both a qualitative and a quantitative overview of the CSP's implementation.
Ireland's 2023 annual performance report on the national website. The completeness of the information provided in the link is solely the responsibility of the competent national authorities.
Timeline
- 30 April 2025
The Commission approved Ireland’s fifth amendment to the CAP Strategic Plan.
- 18 December 2024
The Commission approved Ireland’s fourth amendment to the CAP Strategic Plan.
- 25 July 2024
The Commission approved Ireland’s third amendment to the CAP Strategic Plan.
- 9 February 2024
The Commission approved Ireland’s second amendment to the CAP Strategic Plan.
- 14 June 2023
The Commission approved Ireland’s first amendment to the CAP Strategic Plan.
- 31 August 2022
The Commission approved Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan.
- 11 August 2022
Ireland submitted a revised proposal, addressing the Commission’s observations on the first draft.
- 22 April 2022
Ireland’s comments on Commission observation letter.
- 31 March 2022
Commission sent an observation letter on Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan.
- 31 December 2021
Ireland submitted its first proposal for a CAP Strategic Plan.
- 18 December 2020
Commission issued a Staff Working Document containing recommendations for Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan.
Legal basis
Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by EU countries under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans).
