An Enterprise Ireland agri-tech trade delegation was in attendance at the largest animal production show in France, SPACE (Salon des Productions Animales – Carrefour Europeen) tradeshow.
The delegation, headed by the Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen, was focusing on promoting the innovation capabilities of Irish agri-tech companies in areas including: connected agriculture; the use of data in agriculture; and progress in the area of automation and robotics.
The trade visit aims to maximise business opportunities for Enterprise Ireland client companies.
The companies participating were: H2Ozone; True North Technologies; Moocall; Herdwatch; Dairymaster; Keenan; and Wakely Engineering.
Speaking on his arrival at SPACE, Minister Breen said: “France presents good growth opportunities for Irish companies across all sectors and is already a significant consumer of Irish goods.
“In 2016, Enterprise Ireland client company exports to France were in excess of €902 million.
SPACE provides a magnificent platform for Irish agri-tech companies to showcase their solution offerings, encouraging French buyers to rely on Irish innovative products and services as a source of advantage.
“This helps to further improve Ireland’s position internationally as a source of innovation,” the minister added.
Billed as an unmissable event for all breeders and suppliers of animal production, this is the 31st year of SPACE which is the second largest global event of its kind.
Marina Donohoe, Northern Europe and UK Director for Enterprise Ireland also commented, saying: “There are more than 120 Enterprise Ireland client companies active in the agricultural machinery and technologies sector, contributing €4.1 billion to Ireland’s GDP and supporting 250,000 jobs in Ireland.
“We are keen to use SPACE as an opportunity to promote the Irish advantage and Irish agri-tech innovation to potential French customers.
“Enterprise Ireland’s Eurozone strategy is focused on supporting our client companies to diversify into new markets as a way for them to build scale and expand their reach with their products and services as part of our response to the UK’s decision to leave the EU,” Donohoe concluded.
