Horticulture ‘contributes €400m to the economy’

THE horticulture and potato industry contributes some €400 million to farm output, an increase of 17% since 2001, it was revealed yesterday.

Food Minister Brendan Smith disclosed the figures when he was presented with a strategic review for the industry, produced by McIver Consulting for Bord Bia, He said the horticulture industry contributes handsomely to a dynamic rural economy from both an economic and social perspective.

“It is an efficient industry, well positioned and operated by professional expert growers,” he said. The strategic report shows that the amenity horticulture sector grew by 50% since 2000 while the value of output in the protected crop sector doubled.