Agri-Food Regulator launches new look for Ploughing 2026

An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator) has previewed its new larger stand for this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

Attendees are invited to drop by to chat about the work of the Regulator, complete the annual survey of farmers, fishers and growers, and learn more about the protections available across the agri-food supply chain.

Staff of the Agri-Food Regulator will be available each day to talk about the work of the state agency that was established in December 2023 to promote fairness and transparency in business-to-business relationships in the agri-food supply chain.

The Agri-Food Regulator is tasked with increasing the availability of price and market information at all stages of the agri-food supply chain.

It is also the Enforcement Authority for the Unfair Trading Regulations that seek to protect weaker suppliers of agri-food products against unfair trading practices by their stronger buyers.

Niamh Lenehan, CEO, Agri-Food Regulator

CEO of the Agri-Food Regulator, Niamh Lenehan said: “The National Ploughing Championships is always a fantastic opportunity to meet people and hear first-hand about the issues and experiences that matter to them.

“Our new bigger stand allows people to stop, even sit down, to meet the team and learn more about the work of the Regulator, including the protections offered under unfair trading law and how concerns can be raised.”

Farmers, Fishers and Growers Annual Survey

Attendees can also avail of the opportunity to complete the Agri-Food Regulator’s annual survey, which aims to capture feedback from farmers, fishers and growers to help inform the Regulator’s work.

Lenehan added: “The survey is now open, and people can go online and fill it out today without having to wait for Ploughing.

“But we know people have busy day-to-day lives. Ploughing is, for many, a day out, so pop along to the stand and complete the survey to ensure your voice is heard.”

The survey is being conducted by RED C on behalf of the Agri-Food Regulator.

It will close on Friday, September 18, 2026. You must be 18 years or older to complete the survey.

Click here to complete the survey

Unfair trading law

In June at Ennis District Court, the Agri-Food Regulator proved 79 breaches of unfair trading practices for the non-payment for cattle and sheep delivered to a meat processor.

Under the Unfair Trading Regulations, failure to pay for non-perishable agri-food products within a 60-day period constitutes an unfair trading practice (UTP).

Attendees can seek guidance on the 16 unfair trading practices, what type of products are defined as agri-food products, as well as the ways to make a complaint or a confidential tip-off to the Regulator.

Greater transparency

An additional function of the Agri-Food Regulator comes into operation from December 31, 2026 when the Regulator will be able to compel necessary data impacting on price and margins from businesses where voluntary requests have not been met.

The information gathered will be used to prepare price and market reports, providing greater insight into the functioning of different stages of the supply chain.

There are currently seven dashboard reports available on the Regulator’s website, which include beef, dairy, sheep, egg & poultry, fruit, vegetable and horticulture, that bring together publicly available information to show how prices and other market indicators have developed over time.

“We’d like to chat with farmers about how they use the reports on our website,” Lenehan said.

“The Ploughing Championships is a fantastic opportunity to have those conversations face to face, and so, I very much look forward to meeting everyone over the three days.”

The Agri-Food Regulator’s stand will be located in the ‘Supporting People, Careers and Business’ hub (Stand 127 | Row 6 | Block 4) in the Government of Ireland Village.

This is a sponsored post as part of our 2026 National Ploughing Championships supplement .

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