Vegan Society of Ireland urges plant-based fund in Budget

The Vegan Society of Ireland is urging the government to create a state-backed Plant-Based Food Fund and a national strategy in Budget 2027. The proposal, modelled on Denmark’s 2023 action plan, aims to support farmers transitioning to fruit and vegetable production. The society submitted three core requests for the upcoming budget: a dedicated fund comparable to Denmark’s, a National Plant-Based Action Plan for Ireland, and targeted support for farmers entering horticulture. This support would include capital grants and expert advice from Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority. Part of the proposed fund is specifically reserved for farmers who convert land to grow fruits and vegetables.

Budget 2027 is due to be presented to the Dáil on October 6. The Vegan Society of Ireland previously wrote to Martin Heydon, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on September 14. In that letter, the society called for horticulture to be officially named as a farm diversification option alongside forestry, carbon farming, and renewable energy.

Domestic vegetable growing has collapsed while reliance on imports remains high

The number of commercial vegetable growers in Ireland has plummeted. From over 600 growers in the 1990s, the figure has fallen to fewer than 70 today. These growers supply supermarkets, but domestic production meets only a fraction of national demand.

The Climate Change Advisory Council’s Annual Review for 2026 found that around 83% of the fruit and vegetables consumed in Ireland are imported. This high import reliance shows the scale of the decline in local horticulture.

Strong public backing exists for plant-based food shift

Surveys indicate strong public support for a shift towards plant-based foods. A nationally representative survey by Opinions Market Research in May 2026, commissioned by the Vegan Society of Ireland, found that four in five Irish adults, or 81%, said they would like to eat more fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Just over half, 51%, of Irish adults believe government policy should focus on diversifying agriculture and incentivising plant-based food production. This sentiment was consistent across all age groups. Also, 62% of adults believe Ireland should make healthy, sustainable diets a national political priority, and 52% want the country to become a global leader in plant-based food production.

Denmark’s plant-based plan offers a proven template

Advocates point to Denmark as a successful model. Denmark published the first national action plan for plant-based foods in October 2023. The plan is backed by Plantefonden, the Danish Plant-Based Food Grant, which was reported to be worth one billion kroner, or approximately €168 million at the time.

James O’Donovan, chairperson of the Vegan Society of Ireland, noted that Denmark’s plan was introduced by a Liberal party agriculture minister and a right-leaning agriculture minister. He argued this cross-party model shows that Irish political parties can reach a similar agreement despite differences. Notably, Denmark produces more meat per head than any other country.

Farmers and advocacy groups align on need for support

The proposal has received a positive reception from farming representatives. The Irish Farmers Association praised the Vegan Society of Ireland’s call for a national plant-based food fund as really, really welcome. The association has long highlighted the reducing number of commercial horticultural growers in Ireland and continually engages with the government on their behalf.

Horticultural growers face significant challenges. The cost of labour and energy are major issues. Most horticultural businesses are highly capitalised and require massive investment. Attracting new entrants to the sector is difficult due to high startup costs. Direct supports are seen as essential for existing growers to invest in their businesses and for new farmers to enter the field.

Budget 2027 is set to be unveiled on October 6. The government will then announce whether it accepts the Vegan Society of Ireland’s calls for a plant-based food fund and national strategy.