Wealthy society spends €450m on gardening

GREATER affluence over the last decade has lead to increased spending in the amenity horticultural sector which is now worth an estimated €450 million.

This was revealed by Minister of State Brendan Smith, when he officially opened the 21st Kildare Growers trade show at the National Event Centre in Punchestown last night.

Despite this growth, he said there is always pressure on nursery owners to maintain and improve their market share and long-term viability.

They may do so through promotions, production of quality produce, increased efficiencies and innovative marketing.

Mr Smith also announced that his department, which has assisted the sector on number of fronts, is to conduct a census of hardy nursery stock production.

He said it is imperative that the census is complete and that all producers are recorded.

Mr Smith said the sector has also been able to avail of funding for an EU-approved campaign, managed by Bord Bia, to promote plants and flowers in Ireland.

This campaign is financed collectively by the Department of Agriculture and Food, the European Commission and associations representing landscape contractors, garden and landscape design, garden centres and the Irish hardy nurseries.