The Future of Agri-Tech Startups in Ireland: Driving Innovation in Agriculture

Introduction 

Ireland, with its rich agricultural heritage, has always been synonymous with high-quality produce and sustainable farming practices. Now, as global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth intensify, the sector is evolving rapidly. A new generation of Irish agri-tech startups is at the heart of this transformation, leveraging innovative technologies to reshape how farming operates.

This burgeoning ecosystem of agri-tech companies is not only helping to future-proof Ireland’s agricultural sector but also positioning the country as a leader in the global shift towards smarter, more sustainable farming. In this blog, we highlight some of the most exciting Irish agri-tech startups, explore their innovative contributions, and discuss the broader impact on the agricultural sector. 

Emerging Agri-Tech Startups in Ireland
 

1. CropSafe
Founded in County Derry, CropSafe is making waves in the agricultural world with its AI-driven satellite technology. By offering real-time insights into crop health, the platform enables farmers to identify threats such as pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions early on. Such predictive capabilities can significantly reduce crop losses, which, according to Teagasc (Ireland’s agriculture and food development authority), account for an estimated 20–40% of annual global crop yields.

2. MagGrow
Dublin-based MagGrow is tackling one of agriculture's biggest challenges: spray drift during pesticide application. Its patented magnetic technology enhances spray coverage, reducing drift by up to 70%. This not only ensures more efficient use of chemicals but also aligns with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy, which aims to cut pesticide use by 50% by 2030. MagGrow’s innovations have been adopted in over 40 countries, a testament to their global relevance.

3. ApisProtect
Bees play a critical role in agriculture, contributing to the pollination of 75% of the world’s leading food crops. Cork-based ApisProtect uses advanced sensors and AI to monitor hive conditions remotely, providing beekeepers with actionable insights. By improving hive management and reducing bee mortality, this technology supports food security and biodiversity, both key priorities under Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.

4. Farmeye
Compliance with environmental regulations is a growing challenge for Irish farmers. Enter Farmeye, a digital platform for nutrient management and soil mapping. It enables farmers to monitor soil health, optimise fertiliser use, and meet the stringent requirements of schemes such as the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). The platform supports Ireland’s commitment to reducing agricultural emissions, which currently account for 37.5% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Moocall
A familiar name in the agri-tech landscape, Moocall is transforming livestock management with its wearable devices that monitor cow health and predict calving times. This technology helps reduce calving-related losses, which, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), cost the Irish dairy industry millions annually. By improving efficiency and animal welfare, Moocall continues to be a favourite among Irish farmers.

How Agri-Tech Startups Are Shaping the Future of Irish Agriculture
 

1. Boosting Efficiency and Productivity
Agri-tech solutions like CropSafe and MagGrow streamline farming operations, enabling farmers to achieve higher yields with fewer inputs. This efficiency is essential as global demand for food is projected to increase by 70% by 2050, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

2. Supporting Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s imperative. Innovations like MagGrow’s eco-friendly spraying systems and Farmeye’s nutrient management tools help farmers adopt practices that reduce environmental impact. These solutions are instrumental in meeting Ireland’s ambitious target of cutting agricultural emissions by 25% by 2030.

3. Enabling Data-Driven Decisions
Data analytics is becoming a cornerstone of modern farming. Platforms like CropSafe and ApisProtect provide farmers with critical insights into crop and hive health, allowing them to make proactive, informed decisions. This data-driven approach not only improves productivity but also reduces waste.

4. Expanding Economic Opportunities
The agri-tech sector is creating high-value jobs in rural areas and attracting significant investment. For example, Irish agri-tech startups raised over €90 million in venture capital funding in 2023 alone, highlighting the sector's growing appeal to investors.

5. Strengthening Ireland’s Global Footprint
Irish agri-tech companies are increasingly gaining international recognition. From MagGrow’s adoption in over 40 countries to Farmeye’s partnerships across Europe, these startups are showcasing Ireland’s innovation on the global stage.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the future of agri-tech in Ireland holds immense promise, it is not without its hurdles. Overcoming these challenges is vital to ensure the full potential of technological innovation is realised across the agricultural sector.

1. Infrastructure Gaps: Rural Broadband as a Barrier
One of the most significant challenges is the lack of robust broadband infrastructure in rural areas. Many of the cutting-edge technologies developed by Irish agri-tech startups—such as real-time crop monitoring systems and precision farming platforms—rely heavily on reliable internet connectivity.

A report by the Irish Central Statistics Office (CSO) highlighted that over 23% of rural households in Ireland still lack high-speed broadband. This digital divide hampers the ability of farmers in remote areas to adopt and benefit from modern tools, creating a disparity in productivity and efficiency between regions. The National Broadband Plan, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to all areas of Ireland by 2028, is a step in the right direction, but timely implementation remains critical.

2. Resistance to Change and Lack of Awareness
Another barrier is the hesitation among some farmers to adopt new technologies, often due to a lack of familiarity or concerns over cost and practicality. For many, traditional farming methods feel more reliable and less intimidating than navigating digital platforms or AI-driven systems.

This reluctance is compounded by a limited understanding of the long-term benefits these technologies offer. A survey by Teagasc revealed that while over 70% of Irish farmers are aware of the importance of sustainable practices, fewer than 30% actively use data-driven tools to manage their farms. Addressing this gap will require targeted educational campaigns, demonstration projects, and farmer-friendly training programmes.

3. Affordability and Accessibility
Cost remains a key issue for many small and medium-sized farmers. Advanced agri-tech solutions often come with significant upfront expenses for equipment, installation, and training. Although many startups offer scalable solutions or subscription-based models, more needs to be done to ensure these technologies are affordable for all.

Government subsidies and grants, such as those available through the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), can play a pivotal role in alleviating financial barriers. However, better communication is needed to ensure farmers are aware of and can easily access these supports.

4. Skills Gap in the Workforce
The rise of agri-tech requires a workforce skilled in digital tools, data analytics, and engineering—skills not traditionally associated with agriculture. While Irish universities and technical colleges are beginning to incorporate agri-tech into their curricula, there remains a gap in vocational training for existing farmers and agricultural workers.

Collaborations between startups, educational institutions, and agricultural organisations can bridge this gap. For example, introducing short courses or online certifications specifically designed for farmers could help build the skills needed to adopt and optimise agri-tech solutions.

5. Environmental and Regulatory Challenges
The agricultural sector in Ireland operates under stringent environmental and regulatory requirements, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, and biodiversity conservation. While agri-tech can aid in compliance, navigating these regulations can be complex, especially for smaller farmers. Clearer guidance and user-friendly platforms that integrate regulatory compliance into their frameworks would ease this burden.

Opportunities for Growth

Despite these challenges, there are immense opportunities to strengthen Ireland’s position as a leader in agricultural innovation:

Collaborative Ecosystems: Public-private partnerships, such as those supported by Enterprise Ireland, can foster innovation by bringing together researchers, startups, and farmers. Incubators and accelerator programmes tailored for agri-tech can also help nurture new ideas.
International Market Expansion: Irish agri-tech startups have already demonstrated global appeal, with companies like MagGrow and ApisProtect gaining traction internationally. Continued investment in export strategies and international partnerships will help Irish companies scale and compete on a global stage.
Sustainability Leadership: With sustainability high on the global agenda, Ireland’s focus on climate-smart agriculture positions its agri-tech sector as a pioneer. Solutions that align with EU Green Deal objectives, such as reducing emissions and enhancing biodiversity, are likely to attract further funding and international interest.
Farmer-Led Innovation: Engaging farmers directly in the development and testing of technologies ensures that solutions are practical and user-friendly. This approach not only accelerates adoption but also builds trust between farmers and technology providers.

Conclusion

Ireland’s agri-tech startups are revolutionising the agricultural sector, blending innovation with tradition to tackle challenges like climate change, resource efficiency, and sustainability. Companies such as CropSafe, MagGrow, and ApisProtect are leading the way, enhancing productivity, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening Ireland’s global reputation in agricultural innovation.

However, challenges like rural broadband gaps, resistance to change, and cost barriers must be addressed to unlock the sector’s full potential. Collaboration between government, industry, and farmers is vital to overcome these hurdles and drive wider adoption of these transformative technologies.

By investing in infrastructure, education, and innovation, Ireland can ensure its agricultural sector remains resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive. Agri-tech represents the future of farming, offering a powerful opportunity to secure the long-term prosperity of Irish agriculture for generations to come.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.