Irish Food Board, Bord Bia, in association with UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, has launched a 1 million Euro (US$1.4 million) Marketing Fellowship Program to boost food and drinks exports, according to a news report.

Under this initiative, 25 experienced graduate Fellows will be given 200 key assignments across 33 international markets on behalf of 100 Irish food companies.

The program will cover all food industry sectors, from prepared consumer foods to meat, dairy, beverages, seafood and horticulture. Markets covered include the UK, Continental Europe, Russia, Asia and the U.S.

Ireland's agri-food sector provides 10% of the country's exports. Currently, the UK is the main export destination accounting for 45% of the total, with 32% going to Continental EU markets. Non-EU markets comprise the remaining 23%.