The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) issued 190 work permits for the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector in the first month of 2025.

The latest data, published by the department, shows that in January a total of 3,769 work permits were issued across all sectors.

Almost 30% (1,038) of those permits were granted to the health and social work activities sector, followed by 547 permits in accommodation and food services.

The permits issued in the agriculture sector include horticulture businesses, meat processors and farm companies, among others.

The department previously confirmed that more than 3,500 work permits were granted for the agri-sector during 2024.

A total of 38,189 work permits were issued in the 12 months, which represents an increase of 24% on 2023.

Last year, 3,625 permits were granted for the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector. February saw the highest monthly total with 591 permits issued.

1,385 permits were issued for the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector in 2023, down from 4,311 in the previous year.

A number of occupations in the agri-food and horticultural sectors qualify for General Employment Permits (GEPs) under a quota system.

This includes 1,000 GEPs for meat processing operatives; 350 for butcher/boners; 350 for dairy farm assistants and 1,000 for horticultural workers.

In December, the government announced that proposed increases to Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) for employment permits would not take place in January 2025, pending the outcome of a review.

The MAR is the lowest annual salary for which an employment permit can issue.

This was increased in January last year after a review, in conjunction with a roadmap that outlined further increases up to 2026.

That increase was the first stage in addressing the disparity that had developed over time between the MAR and increases to average earnings in the state.

However, the government said that it was conscious of increased costs of doing business that have arisen over the period since then.

In recognition of this and to ensure that all future increases are implemented in a manner that provides stability for employers and permit holders, DETE is undertaking a review of the roadmap of future increases.