IEA welcome plan to merge Bord Glas

THE decision by the Government to merge Bord Glas, the horticultural development authority, with Bord Bia, which markets Irish food and drinks world wide, was welcomed by the Irish Exporters Association.

It noted that Bord Bia is taking over the market development and promotion of the horticultural industry at a time of falling exports in the sector.

John Whelan, IEA chief executive, said the value of Ireland’s edible horticultural output in 2002 was estimated at €223 million, down 2% on the prior year.