In 2015, I attended Expo Milano as part of a case study into my business model. At Bord Bia’s Village, Ireland positioned itself as a self-sufficient island capable of producing premium food for global markets.
Yet here at home:
• 80% of our vegetables are imported
• Ultra-processed foods dominate supermarket shelves
• Consumers struggle to trace meat origin beyond “Produced in the EU”
• Families must choose between affordability and quality
• School food standards are inconsistent
During my own research and development phase (2016–2017), I made a conscious decision not to compromise product quality for supermarket shelf space or profit margins. That choice came at a financial cost - but integrity matters.
Food education must begin at school level.
Home economics should be reinstated as essential curriculum.
Children should learn how to grow food, cook from scratch, and understand labels.
True food security is not export marketing - it is ensuring our own population has access to nutritious, transparently sourced food.
Ireland can do better.
Sign and support systemic reform: