Minister O’Brien and Minister Heydon launch consultation on the Draft Bioeconomy Strategy 2026-2030

Draft strategy sets out a framework for Ireland's bioeconomy, building on strengths in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, marine resources, research and innovation

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD today launched a public consultation on the draft National Bioeconomy Strategy 2026-2030, inviting members of the public, primary producers, businesses, researchers, community organisations and stakeholders to help shape the future direction of Ireland's bioeconomy.

The bioeconomy is the sustainable production, use and renewal of biological resources from land and sea to produce food, feed, biobased materials, chemicals, energy and other products and services. It plays a vital role in supporting Ireland's transition to a circular, climate-neutral economy while creating opportunities for innovation, enterprise and sustainable regional development.

The draft National Bioeconomy Strategy 2026-2030 sets out a framework for Ireland's bioeconomy, building on existing strengths in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, marine resources, research and innovation. It seeks to promote the sustainable use of renewable biological resources, reduce reliance on fossil-based materials, encourage investment in new technologies and strengthen collaboration across government, industry, academia and communities.

Launching the consultation, Minister O'Brien said:

"The bioeconomy presents a significant opportunity for Ireland to address climate change, enhance our circular economy and create sustainable economic opportunities across the country. We want to ensure that this Strategy reflects the views, ambitions and expertise of everyone with an interest in Ireland's sustainable future. I encourage all interested individuals and organisations to participate in this consultation and help shape the next phase of Ireland's bioeconomy."

Also commenting on the launch of the public consultation, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said:

"The bioeconomy holds enormous potential to deliver value-added opportunities for primary producers, businesses and rural and coastal communities. Through national and EU financial support, the emergence of seven piloting and demonstration activities across the Island in the last two years has been a hugely positive step forward to showcase these opportunities in a real-life, tangible way. This Strategy builds on progress such as this, and will be another important step forward for the development of the bioeconomy in Ireland. I would encourage all stakeholders, including farmers, fishers and foresters, to have their say on the bioeconomy through this consultation."

The draft strategy identifies the strategic objectives and key sectors for Ireland's bioeconomy and has been developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders from across the bioeconomy, including representatives from industry, academia, public bodies, environmental organisations and community groups. The public consultation provides an opportunity for a wider range of voices to contribute before the strategy is finalised.

The Department welcomes submissions from all interested parties, including members of the public, businesses, farmers, foresters, fishers, researchers, local authorities, community organisations and environmental groups.

The public consultation opens today and will remain open until 17 August 2026 at 17:00.

The draft National Bioeconomy Strategy and details on how to make a submission are available on the Department's website at this link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/consultations/public-consultation-on-draft-bioeconomy-strategy-2026-2030/

ENDS

What is the bioeconomy?

The bioeconomy is the production, utilisation, conservation, and regeneration of biological resources, including related knowledge, science, technology, and innovation, to provide sustainable solutions (information, products, processes, and services) within and across all economic sectors and enable a transformation to a sustainable economy. See this link for more information: What is the Bioeconomy?

About the National Bioeconomy Strategy 2026-2030:

The draft National Bioeconomy Strategy 2026-2030 sets out Ireland's vision for developing a sustainable and competitive bioeconomy that supports climate action, strengthens regional and rural development, enhances resource efficiency, creates new economic opportunities and protects biodiversity and natural ecosystems. The draft strategy provides a strategic framework to support the continued development of Ireland's bioeconomy over the next five years. It will build on previous national policy and will reflect evolving European and international priorities.