There has been a warm welcome for the €30 million investment by the Irish Dairy Board (IDB) in Kerrygold’s Mitchelstown operation this week.

Fine Gael’s Ireland South MEP Candidate, Senator Deirdre Clune the investment will create 50 real, sustainable jobs in Mitchelstown and is a major demonstration of the confidence the IDB have in the Agri-Food sector in rural areas. “This can only be good news for the people of the locality,” she said.

Senator Clune went on to say that this year’s abolition of quotas presents major opportunities for further growth and meaningful expansion, pointing out that, at present, 230,000 jobs are directly linked to the agri-food sector in Ireland.

“There is a €24 billion turnover in the sector and in 2013 Irish indigenous companies exported €10 billion worth of produce to 120 countries. This is an increase 40% over the past four years.

“Payroll in the agri-food sector is €1.7 billion which is more than any other manufacturing sector. The power and significance of this sector is not to be underestimated. There is huge potential for growth, especially in rural areas, places not usually associated with new job opportunities.”

The Cork-based senator said there are expanding middle classes in growing economies like China and India and that these countries are looking to Ireland as a source of high end fresh food produce.

“We are in an excellent position to maximise on this potential.”

She said the agri-food sector plays an increasingly important role in the economic life and future of Ireland.

“This sector has been on the rise for the last four years, this growth looks set to continue and rural areas of Ireland should be in a position to reap the benefits as new jobs are created.”