Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has been appointed shadow rapporteur for EU agri-food promotion.

The EU promotion fund plays a role in supporting Irish agri-food exports.

According to the EU: "Promotion campaigns about EU farm products are designed to open up new market opportunities for EU farmers and the wider food industry, as well as helping them build their existing business."

In European Parliament, a shadow rapporteur is an MEP appointed to negotiate, monitor, and influence specific legislation.

Ireland’s agri-food sector is among the most export-oriented in the EU.

The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 12% in 2025 to reach a record €19 billion.

Dairy products accounted for over €7 billion in exports, and beef for over €3 billion.

Following a recent report on the promotion fund, a number of changes are now under consideration within the relevant European Parliament committee.

As shadow rapporteur, Mullooly has said he will play a role in shaping that process.

Mullooly’s team is currently undertaking consultations with Bord Bia and with SMEs that rely on substantial support from the programme to promote Irish produce and food products processed in Ireland on international markets.

EU funding

Following his appointment, Mullooly said: “Following intensive lobbying, I am pleased to report that the budget for 2026 has been increased to more than €200 million.

“There are a number of changes I will be recommending to parliament in order to secure greater participation by SMEs and to strengthen the case for a more secure funding budget over the next five years.”

Mullooly has also issued an open invitation to all sectors of the agri-food industry to submit proposals on where funding support is needed to assist with the marketing of their products, including organic products.

To date, Ireland has recorded a higher-than-average participation rate in the programme.