The bill to establish the office of the new agri-food regulator - An Rialálaí Agraibhia - has been signed into law by President Michael D Higgins.
The regulator is empowered to publish price and market analysis along the agricultural and food supply chains, resulting in greater transparency for farmers, producers, processors and consumers.
It also has the power to take action where unfair practices in business-to-business relationships between retailers and suppliers are discovered.
Niamh Lenehan was appointed chief executive of the new regulator in May.
From Co Meath, Ms Lenehan's most recent professional roles had been with the Insolvency Service of Ireland and Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has welcomed the signing of the bill.
"I am delighted that the bill has now been enacted and I thank my colleagues in Government for their support and the members of the Oireachtas who engaged so constructively with the bill," he said.
"The independent office, which was a key programme for government commitment, will promote and enforce the principles of fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain, having a particular regard to farmers, fishers and small food businesses."
