Growers ‘against boards merger’

THE vast majority of horticultural growers are against the proposed merger of Bord Glas and Bord Bia, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent told the Dáil yesterday.

He said growers fear the merger will leave them with little power and asked what advance evaluation took place.

Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh said the report of the independent estimates review committee drew attention to the duplication of resources in the promotion and marketing of Irish exports. It suggested savings could be achieved through closer co-operation between Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Glas.

In light of this report, the Government decided the functions of Bord Glas and Bord Bia should be merged. A general scheme to effect this was approved by Government in July last and drafting of the legislation is under way.

The Department consulted with the stakeholders including representatives of the horticulture sector, who were asked to submit their views for inclusion in the legislation, Mr Walsh said.

Replies suggested the main areas of concern included representation on the board and a dedicated subsidiary board for horticulture. Assurances were also sought that the functions of Bord Glas relating to horticultural production, including fruit and vegetables and the amenity sector, would not be overlooked by the new body.

“I believe the combined expertise of an amalgamated body can bring together the synergies necessary to promote and market the entire food and horticultural industries, with continued success at home and abroad,” Mr Walsh said.