Key facts
- The National Dairy Council and Sport Ireland Institute are partnering to provide dairy breakfasts to elite athletes.
- 84% of Irish adults recognize the value of a healthy breakfast.
- 1,100 work permits were issued to the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector in the first five months of 2026.
- Work permits in the agri sector increased by 10% compared to the previous year.
- A horse-assisted mental wellbeing program for farmers is returning in 2026.
- The National Dairy Council is running a campaign to educate children about milk's origins.
- Agriland is launching a series called 'Groundbreakers' on women in Irish agriculture.
- 2026 is designated as the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the UN.
- Bord Bia Quality Assurance audits are important for sustainable meat and dairy production.
- A board member resigned from the Irish Holstein Friesian Association citing transparency concerns.
The Irish agricultural sector is emphasizing "marginal gains," farmer wellbeing, and quality assurance in 2026. The National Dairy Council (NDC) has initiated a three-year partnership with the Sport Ireland Institute, providing dairy-based breakfasts to elite athletes. NDC CEO Emma Walls noted the parallels between dairy farming and elite sports in their pursuit of incremental improvements through dedication and consistency. Research indicates that 84% of Irish adults acknowledge the importance of a healthy breakfast, though convenience remains a factor in food choices.
Supporting the sector's workforce, 1,100 work permits were issued to the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector within the first five months of 2026, marking a 10% increase from the prior year. These permits are predominantly for roles in meat processing, horticulture, and dairy farms.
Efforts are also underway to enhance farmer mental wellbeing. A fully funded program utilizing horses for mental health coaching is returning in 2026, offering one-to-one or group sessions to help farmers manage stress and build resilience at no cost. Furthermore, the NDC is running a campaign to educate children about the origins of milk, with farmer Leo O'Connor hosting primary school groups to demonstrate milking and discuss nutrition, addressing a disconnect where many children have not witnessed a cow being milked.
Agriland is launching a new series, "Groundbreakers," supported by FBD Insurance, to spotlight the achievements of women in Irish agriculture, coinciding with the UN's designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This series will feature diverse content formats including interviews, videos, podcasts, and articles.
Maintaining high standards is also a priority, with Bord Bia Quality Assurance, a component of the Origin Green program, being critical for Ireland's reputation in sustainable meat and dairy production. Guidance is being provided to businesses preparing for their upcoming audits.
Separately, a board member of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) resigned after five years, citing concerns over a lack of transparency and insufficient information provided to board members. Worries about breed promotion and the disregard for member opinions were also expressed. In unrelated news, oil prices are declining as OPEC+ considers output cuts, and the national average somatic cell count (SCC) in milk was 158,000 cells/ml, with a target of 100,000 cells/ml, impacted by environmental mastitis due to heavy rain affecting cow performance and farm profitability.