Ireland’s livestock sector, long recognised as the backbone of its agri-food economy, is in a decisive phase of transition. With dairy and beef production largely based on grass-fed systems and approximately 90% of agricultural output destined for export, Ireland has built a strong international position. At the same time, this export-oriented model is under increasing pressure to deliver on ambitious climate, water quality and biodiversity objectives, while maintaining productivity and economic viability.
Digitalisation is rapidly emerging as a key enabler in this transition. Across Ireland, farmers, processors, cooperatives and policymakers are investing in data-driven solutions to improve sustainability, support compliance with environmental regulations and strengthen farm-level decision-making. This creates significant opportunities for international collaboration, particularly with Dutch companies and research institutions that have extensive experience in digital agriculture and sustainable livestock systems.
Against this background, the Ministry of LVVN and RVO with the Netherlands Embassy in Dublin is organising an Innovation Mission to Ireland from 27 to 29 May 2026, focused on digitalisation for sustainable dairy chains and livestock farming. The mission aims to bring together Dutch entrepreneurs, researchers and knowledge organisations with Irish stakeholders to explore concrete opportunities for cooperation, pilot projects and longer-term partnerships.
A sector under pressure
Ireland’s livestock sector is facing a combination of environmental and structural challenges that are accelerating the need for innovation. Agriculture accounts for a substantial share of national greenhouse gas emissions, and the sector is subject to a legally binding target to reduce emissions by 25% by 2030. In parallel, stricter requirements under the EU Nitrates Directive are placing growing pressure on water quality management, while biodiversity and land-use issues are receiving increased regulatory and societal attention.
At farm level, these challenges are compounded by labour shortages and declining farm succession rates, which are making efficiency and data-supported decision-making more important than ever. For policymakers and industry leaders alike, digital technologies are increasingly seen as essential tools to reconcile environmental performance with economic resilience.
Digitalisation as a strategic priority
In recent years, Ireland has made significant investments in digital infrastructure and platforms for agriculture. National initiatives such as AgNav, which supports emissions and nutrient management, illustrate how data is being embedded in policy and compliance frameworks. At the same time, widely adopted farm-level tools like Herdwatch and PastureBase are helping farmers monitor animal health, grass utilisation and productivity in real time.
Research and innovation play a central role in this ecosystem. Organisations such as Teagasc, Ireland’s national agriculture and food development authority, and the VistaMilk research centre are actively developing and testing digital solutions for sustainable livestock systems. These initiatives underline Ireland’s openness to innovation and international expertise, particularly where solutions are already proven in comparable production systems.
For Dutch companies and research institutions, this creates clear entry points. Dutch experience with farm automation, agri-data platforms, digital compliance tools and sustainability reporting aligns closely with Irish needs, especially in areas such as emissions monitoring, nutrient management, traceability and supply-chain transparency.
The innovation mission
The Innovation Mission to Ireland is designed as a focused, curated working mission rather than a general study visit. Participants will gain first-hand insight into the Irish livestock sector, its sustainability challenges and the innovation ecosystem shaping its future. The programme brings Dutch organisations into direct contact with relevant Irish partners across farming, research, industry and government, with a strong emphasis on practical applicability and realistic collaboration opportunities.
During the mission, participants will engage with Irish government bodies such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Bord Bia to better understand policy priorities, regulatory developments and available funding instruments. Visits to research and innovation centres will provide insight into ongoing digitalisation efforts, while meetings with leading agri-food companies and cooperatives will highlight how digital solutions are being adopted at scale.
Direct engagement with farmers, advisory organisations and cooperatives is an integral part of the programme. These interactions offer valuable insight into on-farm realities, adoption drivers and the practical requirements for implementing digital and sustainable solutions in grass-based livestock systems. A dedicated networking event will bring together Dutch and Irish participants to facilitate matchmaking, knowledge exchange and the identification of concrete next steps.
Why this mission matters for Dutch organisations
Ireland and the Netherlands face many comparable challenges in livestock farming, including ambitious climate targets, water quality constraints and growing demands for transparent sustainability reporting. The Irish market combines strong policy urgency with a high level of openness to international collaboration and innovation.
In addition, Irish farmers and agri-food companies benefit from substantial public support for modernisation and innovation. The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3), a €370 million programme running until 2027, subsidises eligible investments in technologies that improve sustainability, efficiency and compliance. Complementary funding is available through Enterprise Ireland and various EU programmes, lowering barriers to experimentation and joint development.
Irish stakeholders are actively seeking partnerships with international technology providers and knowledge institutions. Large cooperatives represent extensive farmer networks and are investing heavily in digital sustainability and data systems, while organisations such as the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation manage globally significant livestock databases that offer opportunities for collaboration in genetics, analytics and decision support.
Practical information and registration
The participation fee for the Innovation Mission is €350 per person (excluding VAT). This covers participation in the collective programme, local transfers between programme components and lunches or dinners where included in the programme. Travel and accommodation costs are not included.
Dutch organisations interested in joining the mission are invited to register by 13 March, 2026. Final participation will depend on the number of available places and the alignment of the organisation’s activities with the mission’s objectives.
For further information, interested parties can contact Bert van der Heide (bert.vanderheide@rvo.nl), Advisor International Innovation Agri-Food at RVO, or reach out via innovatiemissies@rvo.nl. The mission is commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN).