Fruit and veg shortages not likely

THERE is no evidence to suggest there is likely to be any huge threat to Ireland’s staple fruit and vegetable crops due to changes in farming practices as a result of climate change, according to Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan.

“Indeed the impact on horticulture crops in Ireland is generally likely to be positive in the short to medium term. Accordingly, there is not a need at this point in time to plan for food shortages in Ireland,” she said in response to a Dáil query by Labour TD Liz McManus.

Ms Coughlan said her department monitors ongoing research on climate change and its agricultural impact. An inter-departmental team oversees implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy.