Information : Dairy

Ireland is recognised as a global leader in the dairy sector in terms of the safety, sustainability and traceability of our dairy production on family farms, through to our processing in facilities that range from global household names to niche cottage industries, and on our justified and hard-earned reputation for quality. Actions pursued since the launch of Food Wise 2025 - Ireland’s strategy for the overall agri-food sector - further promote the quality of our produce, through initiatives such as Origin Green and the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme, the world’s first internationally accredited national dairy assurance scheme. 

While global demand for dairy products remains strong, the quality of Irish sourced milk is a key competitive advantage in our promotional efforts in new and existing markets. Investment in research and innovation, improvements in on-farm practices, and the development of added-value products are key priorities for Ireland’s dairy sector. Opportunities for growth remain positive and are largely being driven by innovation in new flavours, product varieties, portion sizes and pack formats to meet changing consumer demands. Increased focus on health issues and environmental impact are critical factors for the future. Continued progress on the actions outlined in Food Wise 2025 will place Ireland among the world’s fastest growing dairy producers, and further develop the sector’s capacity to withstand challenges and meet opportunities over the coming years. 

Our dairy sector provides multiple positive effects for rural Ireland in terms of an outlet for quality farm produce as well as a source of high quality employment and commercial investment in rural communities. Ireland’s dairy production continues to expand in the years following the end of the quota period, and is among the world’s fastest growing dairy producers as farmers generously share their knowledge to improve standards in the industry and in their communities. 

• Ireland exported dairy produce to over 140 countries in 2023, valued at approximately €6.42 billion. This is an 8% decrease from the record value of €6.8 billion exported in 2022 but still represents a 22% growth versus 2021.
• Total dairy exports in 2023 accounted for 38% of the total Irish Agri-food exports.
• There was a sharp decline in milk prices in 2023, however it must be noted this fall comes off a period of record high prices.
• With average milk production costs of close to 37 cent per litre in 2023, it was estimated that the average dairy farm income was down 60% for 2023.
• 5 billion litres of milk were produced in Ireland in 2023, this is a decline of 365.5 million litres (- 4.1%) from 2022 and down by 300 million litres (-3.4%) when compared with 2021.
• 2023 was the first year Irish milk supply has declined since production quotas were lifted in 2015. Challenging weather in the early summer months last year limited grass-growth and was followed by heavy rainfall throughout the autumn which led to difficult grazing conditions.

See also:  Food Exports Dairy - Key Requirements (doc 37Kb)     .