11 April 2025 | Chicago, USA | Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Minister of State Martin Heydon concludes his U.S. trade mission today with a visit to Irish-founded companies operating in Chicago and the broader Midwest region, highlighting the strength of Ireland’s agri-food and enterprise footprint in the United States.
The visit, organised in partnership with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland, marks the final leg of a high-level engagement tour aimed at reinforcing the vital bilateral agri-food relationship between Ireland and the U.S.
“This trip has underlined the strength of our two-way trading relationship,” Minister Heydon said. “It’s not just about exports—Irish companies are creating jobs in the U.S., sourcing local produce, and contributing to regional economies.”
🔍 Trade & Investment Snapshot
- Ireland is the 6th-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the U.S.
- 770 Irish companies operate across all 50 states, employing over 200,000 people.
- In 2024, Irish agri-food exports to the U.S. exceeded €1.9 billion, with growing ties in equine, spirits, agri-tech, and animal feed.
Earlier in the week, Minister Heydon met with senior U.S. officials including Brooke Rollins, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to discuss market access, regulatory cooperation, and trade opportunities under the new U.S. administration.
He also visited key agricultural and food sector partners in Kentucky, where Irish investment continues to play a significant role in local economies.
🌱 Sectoral Support Amid Tariff Concerns
Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole, speaking alongside the Minister, emphasized the agency’s tailored support for Irish exporters navigating the U.S. market:
“This visit has allowed us to directly engage with U.S. customers and their Irish suppliers. Our aim is to provide precise, targeted support in response to complex trade dynamics, particularly around evolving tariff challenges.”
The U.S. remains a priority premium market for Irish food and drink, with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland reinforcing collaborative efforts to sustain growth and mitigate risks for exporters.
🤝 Driving Agri-Food Innovation and FDI
Minister Heydon will also meet today with members of Enterprise Ireland’s newly launched U.S. Food Advisory Board, a strategic initiative aimed at boosting FDI into Ireland’s food sector and enhancing transatlantic innovation partnerships.
The trade mission concludes tomorrow, having strengthened commercial and political ties with one of Ireland’s most important global partners.
Source: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Official Release: gov.ie – Department of Agriculture
Date: April 11, 2025
WFP-Picture-Martin-Heydon-Irl-Mnstr-for-Agric-and-WFP-Director-Cindy-Mccain-by-Rein-Skullerud
