The Agri-Food Regulator launched 25 investigations into alleged or suspected unfair trading practice during 2025.

This marks a significant increase on the one investigation initiated by the agency in the previous year.

According to the regulator's annual report for 2025, two investigations were closed last year, while 23 were ongoing at year end.

The report does not provide any information about the individual investigations.

2025 marked the second full year of operation for the Agri-Food Regulator.

The agency investigates unfair trading practices, conducts unannounced inspections, and enforces supply chain laws under the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023.

Complaints

In 2025, the regulator examined 51 complaints, 14 of which were carried forward from 2024.

34 complaints were closed during 2025, while 17 remained under consideration at the end of the year.

The regulator said it continues to receive anonymous information through the online tip-off form facility on its website.

"All such information received is retained for possible future investigation if considered appropriate," the report said.

The regulator carried out six on-site compliance inspections during the year to ensure businesses were compliant with regulations on unfair trading practices.

In addition, the agency responded to a number of inquiries from individuals seeking guidance or clarification regarding the regulations.

Joe Healy, chair of the Agri-Food Regulator, said it was "encouraging" to see an increase in suppliers contacting the regulator to file complaints or make a query.

"This is a clear indicator of the increasing trust and confidence in the work of the Agri-Food Regulator," he said.

Agri-Food Regulator

During 2025, the regulator conducted two surveys on supplier trading experiences in the agri-food sector.

The primary producer survey gathered feedback from farmers, fishers and growers for the second year, while the first survey of suppliers of agri-food products to the retail and wholesale sector was also carried out.

The regulator also produced interactive price market reports for the dairy, egg and poultry, horticulture, sheep and fruit sectors.

Niamh Lenehan, chief executive of the Agri-Food Regulator, said that 2025 was a "defining year" for the agency.

"As an independent and evidence-led organisation, the regulator is committed to working constructively with all stakeholders and with particular regard for the viability of farming, fishing and small food businesses," she said.

Additional powers

In December 2025, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon announced additional powers for the Agri-Food Regulator to enhance transparency in the food supply chain.

These regulations, due to come into effect at the end of this year, will provide the regulator with the power to compel the provision of price and market information from businesses in cases where voluntary requests for such information have not been complied with.

By the end of 2025, the Agri-Food Regulator had 17 staff members.

A strategic workforce plan was submitted to the minister during the year. An additional five staff were allocated to the agency for 2026.

The report shows that the annual salary of chief executive Niamh Lenehan was €119,882 in 2025, with "standard civil service arrangements".