Production agriculture is now the most trusted industry in the United States, according to Alltech chief executive, Dr. Mark Lyons, who has been commenting on the long-term impact of Covid-19 on farming and food.

Lyons is participating in the Alltech ONE Ideas Conference which is taking place online this week (June 22-24).

Lyons said: “This was the headline result of a recent public poll. Food retailing came in second place with the restaurant sector third in line.

“Farming must break out of the world’s commodities markets. But the good news is that Irish agriculture is already doing a good job in this regard.”

According to Lyons, technology will play an increasing role within Irish and global agriculture over the coming decade.

He explained: "Automation will help solve the labour challenge that is already confronting the farming industries in so many countries. But this is only part of the story.

“At one level, access to greater levels of information will allow farmers to improve the efficiency of their businesses.

According to the Alltech CEO, the farming and food sector has a great story to tell the public at large.

He added: "Dairy, meat and eggs are a selection of the most sustainable products available in the world today.

Pat Charlton, Alltech’s vice president of Europe, agreed. He commented: “The opportunity is now for farming and food to communicate with policy makers and opinion formers around the world... not in a year or so.

“Social media is playing a key role in shaping consumer attitudes across the board. Farming and food must respond accordingly.

“It’s a case of communicating with policy makers, bloggers and influencers now," Charlton added.

“Covid has thrown up many challenges for agriculture around the world. But it has also given businesses an opportunity to plan strategically for the future.”