Reconciling Socio-economic and Environmental Sustainability in Agri-food Development: A Critical Appraisal of Irish Strategies

Abstract

In the face of growing environmental issues associated with food production, arbitrating between multiple and sometimes conflicting aspirations for European agriculture is a complex undertaking. This article critically assesses potential national strategies for sustainable agri-food development by using Ireland as an example. Facilitated by national and European policies, the Irish agri-food sector has experienced significant growth over the last decade. Initially, an efficiency-based strategy was applied at farm and industry levels to increase output while limiting adverse environmental impacts of agri-food production. However, this strategy proved insufficient to offset the additional environmental pressure caused by agricultural intensification and expansion. More recently, the failure to reconcile economic and environmental targets in Irish agri-food development encouraged a move away from the efficiency-based strategy towards the EU-inspired food systems framework. While this approach incorporates sustainability objectives in a more comprehensive manner, it will require a substantial transition in the way we produce and consume food. Hence, the challenge of designing policy tools that will support its implementation still remains. This article discusses issues arising from reactive policy responses, and highlights the need to better co-ordinate all levels of the food system.