Weather takes heavy toll on some vegetable crops
North County Dublin is worst affected by last week’s downpour of more than 80mm.
IFA Potato Committee chairman John Sheridan said more than 60% of potatoes were still in the ground, compared to 20% this time last year. “Farmgate prices must reflect the additional costs from reduced yields, field losses and significantly lower harvesting rates,” he said.
Growers in Donegal also are only one third through the harvest, but most crops are lifted in the south.
Harvest is later this year because heavy rain delayed planting and crop maturity, reducing yields.
Some carrot, parsnip, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts crops have been inundated. Nearly 75% of these vegetable crops are still in the ground.
IFA Field Vegetable Committee chairman Kyrle Allen said a number of growers have already incurred serious losses this season and can ill afford further losses.
