Retailers threatening viability of produce growers, conference told

RETAILERS are threatening the viability of fresh produce growers in this country, the national potato conference and trade show was told in Dublin yesterday.

Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan said growers can no longer survive the excessive downward pressure on prices which is forcing farmers to produce below the cost of production.

“Growers make an investment of over €90 million annually to grow 30,000 acres of potatoes and they consistently deliver a quality, safe product for the supermarket shelves.