Food exports represent one of the biggest success stories in Ireland's economy at the moment and one of the "great hopes going forward", President Mary McAleese has said.
She made her remarks following a masterclass of Irish food at the College of Catering and Tourism in Madrid today as part of her state visit to Spain.
The President said exports in the food and drink industry are "beating all the odds by doing so well" and that it is a "very important positive message" to bring to the world.
Accompanying Mrs McAleese, Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food Simon Coveney told The Irish Times his brief "is the good news story of the economy at the moment".
He said although he has a huge responsibility to farmers and fishermen his department is "much broader than that".
"It's about developing a food industry in Ireland that can expand and grow."
Mr Coveney said the state visit was important to build personal relationships with his European counterparts ahead of upcoming negotiations on CAP and fisheries.
"People sometimes underestimate the importance of building relationships outside of Ireland especially in industries reliant on decisions made at a EU level."
Mr Coveney said he had spoken to his Spanish, and last week French, counterparts of the potential to process in Ireland fish caught by foreign vessels off Irish waters.
He said this move alone has the "significant potential to create jobs and wealth in coastal rural communities".
The President held bilateral talks with Spanish prime minister José Luís Rodriguez Zapatero and the president of the congress of deputies earlier today.
Mrs McAleese will spend the final day of her visit in Barcelona tomorrow where she will attend the Sagrada Família cathedral before meeting the president of the government of Catalunya, Artur Mas.
The President will address an Enterprise Ireland pharmaceuticals gathering and meet members of the Irish community at a reception in the city hall before returning to Dublin tomorrow evening.
Mr Coveney returns to Ireland tonight.