The Vegan Society of Ireland, has called on the Irish government to set up a national plant-based action plan and fund in Budget 2027. The Irish Farmers Association has welcomed the call, emphasising the need for more public support for farmers cultivating fruit and vegetables.

Ireland currently imports around 83% of its fruit and vegetables, and fewer than 70 commercial vegetable growers remain, down from over 600 in the 1990s. Yet demand is clearly there: 81% of Irish adults would like to eat more fruit, vegetables and legumes. As the Society's chairperson James O'Donovan puts it: "Our farmers could be growing it."

The call's three main asks are:

• A national Plant-Based Food Fund, on a scale comparable to Denmark's, open to farmers, growers and food businesses;

• A commitment to publish a a National Plant-Based Action Plan for Ireland;

• Dedicated support for farmers moving into horticulture, including capital grants and advice from Teagasc, the national agrifood development authority.

Public support is strong: 62% of Irish adults want healthy, sustainable diets to be a national political priority, and 51% believe government policy should focus on diversifying agriculture and incentivising plant-based food production. High prices remain the top barrier, keeping a third of people from eating more plant-based foods. This is exactly where public investment can make a difference.

Calls for dedicated national plans are growing across Europe. Farmers, food businesses and citizens are ready, and it's time to bring these efforts together under an EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods.