Growth boosts landscape demand

THE continued growth in home ownership and increased emphasis on leisure and ecology is fuelling increased demand for landscape services and garden products, according to a Teagasc specialist, speaking at the Teagasc National Nursery Stock Conference in Naas last week.

Patrick Gleeson, Nursery Stock Adviser with Teagasc, said the latest survey of the Hardy Nursery Stock Industry showed continued growth since the previous census period. However, he also highlighted a degree of uncertainty within the industry and concern regarding increasing costs and import levels.

At farm gate level the value of Ireland’s amenity sector is in excess of €52.0m with 1,500 people in full-time and part-time employment. This is an increase of 18% in full-time employment since the previous census.