Gardening sector ‘worth €450m’

THE annual value of the Irish amenity and gardening market is estimated to be worth as much as €450 million, according to Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

In a written reply to Labour TD Emmet Stagg, she said any initiatives to encourage greater gardening activity and increased consumption of fruit and vegetables are welcome. This was on the basis of their contribution to good physical and mental health as well as on the economic level.

“That said, the mission of my department is to contribute to the development of a competitive commercial horticulture and potato sector and the highest food safety and phytosanitary standards.