Vegetable growers fear price war
The Irish Farmers’ Association has warned the constant level of uncertainty and pressure is driving people out of the sector.
Field Vegetable chairman William Ruiter said fresh produce, which is not covered by the groceries order, is constantly being used by retailers as a loss leader as they battle for market share, leading to a steady decline in returns in recent years.
Last week, for example, saw two major retailers discount four Irish grown fresh produce lines.
While both retailers have not cut returns back to growers at this stage, growers throughout the country are fearful the cuts will eventually be passed back to producers.
“With so few young people entering vegetable production, it’s difficult to see who will be in business to grow Ireland’s vegetable requirements in 15 years’ time, when the majority of the present grower base will have retired,” he said.
Mr Ruiter predicted commercial vegetable growing faces an increasingly uncertain future.
He made his comments after IFA research revealed fewer than 7% of Irish commercial vegetable growers are under 35 years of age, while only one student studying horticulture through Teagasc has specialised in vegetable production in the past five years.
