The Agricultural Department of the Dutch Embassy in Dublin commissioned IFAC to conduct an in-depth market study exploring innovation opportunities for Dutch agri-tech companies in Ireland.
IFAC, a leading Irish provider of accounting, financial and advisory services to over 20,000 farmers and agri-businesses, brings deep, practical insight into Ireland’s dynamic agricultural sector.
This article is based on the findings of that study, highlighting both the challenges and openings in Ireland’s evolving agri-food landscape.
Beeld: © Luca Locatelli
Ireland's agriculture sector stands apart in Europe, with a temperate climate and abundant rainfall, its grass-based livestock system gives it a natural advantage.
Cattle graze outdoors for up to nine months a year - a rarity in Europe - supporting a highly export-oriented dairy and beef sector. However as environmental pressures mount, Ireland now faces the defining challenge of achieving a 25% cut in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
This shift is opening the door for innovative Dutch agri-tech solutions.
A sector at a crossroads
Dairy farming is the most profitable agricultural sector in Ireland and has expanded rapidly since the removal of EU milk quotas in 2015. Today, the agri-food industry employs over 173,000 people and exports more than €18 billion in products annually, with 90% of its dairy, beef, and sheep products destined for international markets.
That success is now under pressure. The nitrates derogation, which allows higher levels of organic nitrogen use, is at risk due to water quality issues. A reduction or loss of the derogation would constrain dairy herd sizes and impact farm and processor profitability, making it the foremost concern within the sector.
Beeld: LVVN Ireland
Climate targets
Agriculture accounts for 38% of Ireland’s GHG emissions, largely due to methane from livestock. To meet climate targets, Ireland is turning to science and technology. The Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) offers a clear roadmap, prioritising solutions that reduce emissions while maintaining productivity.
Opportunities for Dutch agri-tech companies include:
- Methane-reducing technologies such as selective breeding, feed additives, and manure treatment solutions.
- Feed efficiency tools to improve growth rates and enable earlier slaughter.
- Manure management innovations that reduce emissions through slurry handling and treatment.
Smart farming gains ground
Ireland is embracing digital and precision farming. The government-funded Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) supports investment in health monitoring, GPS-enabled equipment, and automation. Dutch firms with IoT, precision ag, or data analytics expertise will find a receptive market.
- Animal monitoring technologies for health and heat detection are increasingly adopted to boost efficiency.
- Environmental monitoring systems for emissions, soil carbon, and runoff are aligned with regulatory trends.
Organic growth
Ireland is also leaning into regenerative practices and aims to increase organic land use from under 2% in 2020 to 10% by 2030. Dutch businesses with expertise in cover cropping, biological pest control, and organic fertilizers can support this transition.
Entering the Irish market: relationships matter
A key takeaway from Dutch firms already active in Ireland: "A great product isn’t enough." Success hinges on building trust, hiring the right local talent, and showing up at key events like the National Ploughing Championships (16th - 18th SEPTEMBER 2025) (Home - National Ploughing Association).
Distributors can offer quicker access, but control and long-term relationships often favour a direct presence. Regardless of the model, adapting marketing to Irish norms including face-to-face farm demos and local proof points is essential.
What’s next?
For Dutch agri-tech companies looking to expand, Ireland offers a compelling mix: a technologically receptive market, EU alignment, and urgent environmental goals that demand innovation. The window is open, but success requires deep engagement, not just great engineering.
In case you are interested to receive a full copy of the report please contact niall.hurson@minbuza.nl or dub-lvvn@minbuza.nl
Please contact the Agricultural Department of the Dutch Embassy in Dublin for more information on upcoming networking events and support for Dutch businesses entering the Irish market.