Ireland imports 83% of its fruit and vegetables, says VSI

81% of Irish adults say they would like to eat more fruit

Ireland’s capacity to grow its own fruit and vegetables has fallen sharply over three decades while costs have climbed

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Ireland imports 83% of its fruit and vegetables said the Vegan Society of Ireland (VSI).

According to a national survey published by the group, more than four in five Irish adults, 81%, say they would like to eat more fruit, vegetables and legumes.

Incentivise plant-based produce 

The research from the VSI found that more than half of adults, 51%, want Ireland to make it a political priority to diversify agriculture and incentivise plant-based production.

The group claims that almost eight in ten adults (78%) already eat a lot or a moderate amount of these foods.

Almost two in three (62%) want healthy, sustainable diets made a national political priority.

More than half (52%) want Ireland to become a global leader in plant-based food production, the data indicates.

Cost is the biggest barrier, almost one in three (32%) of the respondents claimed.

Not knowing how to cook these foods follows at 28%, and poor availability in supermarkets at 20%, rising to 27% among under-35s.

The trend behind the numbers

Ireland’s capacity to grow its own fruit and vegetables has fallen sharply over three decades while costs have climbed, the VSI noted.

Commercial growers have fallen from more than 600 in the 1990s to fewer than 70 today, and the number of new entrants is falling.

Input costs have risen by over 70% in six years, the group that promotes veganism as a ‘compassionate and sustainable way of living’ highlighted.

Agriculture accounted for 37.0% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2025. Sector emissions fell 0.2% last year and sit 4.7% below the 2018 baseline, against a 10% target for 2025.

The affordability divide

Among adults who say they are comfortable financially, 83% eat a lot or a moderate amount of fruit, vegetables and legumes. Among those who are not comfortable, the figure falls to 73%.

In a statement, James O’Donovan, chairperson, said: “The public has already made its decision. Four in five people want more fruit, vegetables and legumes on their plate. Most of it is arriving here on a lorry or a plane. There is a gap in the Irish market here, not a lifestyle

“Farmers are being told to prepare for a harsher climate and to consider diversifying. Forestry, carbon farming and renewable energy have been named as the options. We are asking that horticulture be named too. Just over half the public backs it.”

“Almost a third of people told us cost is what stops them. Whole plant foods are the cheapest way to eat well. Policymakers and retailers can make the healthy choice the easy choice.”

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