Funding to develop potato sector

A vibrant seed sector is critical for the future development of the whole potato industry, worth around €80m for the 700 or so growers involved, according to Food and Horticulture Minister Trevor Sargent.

Mr Sargent was announcing the approval of grants totalling €574,942 on investments of €1.4 million for eleven applicants under the scheme of investment aid for the potato sector.

The funding is aimed at improving the production and marketing infrastructure of the seed potato sector through investments in equipment and facilities for production, storage and marketing.