Potato production has stabilised, but growers in decline
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.
The census is based on a survey of 832 producers of both ware and seed potatoes.
In 2002, 13,431 hectares were planted with potatoes which is virtually unchanged from the previous two years. With regard to the consolidation of the industry, the largest 50 growers now account for 45% of total production area.
In addition, the average size of potato holdings has increased from 10.7 hectares in 1997 to 16.1 hectares in 2002.
On the other side, the number of potato growers has decreased by 8% in 2002 to 832 - representing a 43% decrease over the last five years.
In terms of varieties grown, maincrop potatoes account for almost three-quarters of total production area with processing varieties accounting for 14%. In addition, the combined production of first and second early varieties accounted for 15% of total area planted in 2002.
The area of Rooster potatoes planted has doubled over the past five years, now accounting for 31% of total production area.
This is followed by Kerr's Pink which accounts for 25% of production area.
The highest concentration of potato growers is in Donegal, Cork and Wexford. However, Meath, Dublin and Louth are the top three counties in terms of production area.
Though Meath has only 6% of growers, it accounts for 29% of total production area.
The census also contains details on the different types of potato stores around the country and on the area of certified seed grown under the DAF certification scheme.
