Minister seeks to give US thought for food

Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith is travelling to the United States this weekend to promote Ireland's food sector.

During his visit with Enterprise Ireland, Mr Smith will meet several business leaders from Irish and US food companies, including US companies with a significant presence in Ireland.

The Minister said Ireland had developed a strong cluster of food ingredients and infant nutritional companies through multi-national food companies.

Mr Smith said he was keen to provide assistance to Irish food companies to further develop their opportunities in the United States and would be meeting Glanbia and Kerry Foods, as well as the Irish Dairy Board, Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.

"Given the significance of the agri-food and drink sector to the Irish economy . . . this is a very valuable opportunity to impress upon US business leaders the priority that the Irish Government and Enterprise Ireland place on the development of the Irish food sector," Mr Smith said.

The Minister added that it was "critically important" that every opportunity is taken to protect jobs and to seek investment and job creation.

He described Irish food research institutes as having global industry/academic links and "acknowledged experts in this important field".