Concern over food quality demands

RISING demands for food quality are a worry, according to 121 farmers, 61 advisers, and nine other food industry representatives surveyed by Teagasc.

They participated in 20 focus groups where changing standards and "impractical" requirements set by major retail chains were identified as areas of serious concern.

While there was overall acceptance of the need for high food quality standards, concerns included competition from imported foods which may not be produced under similarly exacting standards.