Examine the information above regarding the Irish agri-food and drink sector in 2015 and answer each of the following questions - Leaving Cert Geography - Question A - 2017

The value of exports from the Irish agri-food and drink sector in 2015 amounted to £10.8 billion. This reflects the importance of the sector in generating economic activity and foreign revenue.

The calculation for X can be derived from the provided information. In 2015, the percentage of Irish agri-food and drink exported to the UK is 41%. This shows the UK's crucial role as a market for Irish exports.

A total of 4.5 million hectares of land is used for agriculture. Additionally, 730,000 hectares are designated for forestry purposes. This illustrates the significant land use dedicated to agricultural productivity versus forestry.

One advantage of European Union membership for Ireland's agri-food and drink sector is improved access to larger markets. This allows Irish products to be sold with fewer trade barriers, benefiting from the single market, which facilitates easier trade with other EU countries.

One disadvantage of European Union membership for Ireland's agri-food and drink sector is the compliance with EU regulations, which can create challenges for small producers. Adhering to stringent standards may increase operational costs and complexity.