Potato production has stabilised, but growers in decline

THE area of domestic potato production has stabilised in 2002, but the number of potato growers continues to decline, according to Bord Glas.

This situation is resulting in production becoming increasingly concentrated among a smaller number of large growers, with over half of the total production area devoted to growing Rooster and Kerr's Pink potatoes.

The following are the key trends emerging from the 2002 National Potato Census compiled by Bord Glas in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF) and Teagasc.