Farmers continue to form the backbone of the agri-food sector, which is our most important indigenous exporting industry, playing a vital role in the economy, with 135,000 farms producing over €9.5bn in output annually. In 2021, agri-food exports accounted for 9.3pc of total merchandising exports, with a value of €15.4bn, marking growth of 50pc since 2012.

Industrialized farming produces tons of food. But the methods involved should make every Christian stop and consider just where our food comes from. Are we truly being good stewards of God’s creation? Joel Salatin, owner of Polyface Farms (www.polyfacefarms.com) and popular speaker, thinks Christians must take a good long look at this topic.

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