Foliage sector worth €3m to south west

The South of Ireland has long been recognised as an ideal location for the production of foliage, because of its mild moist climate.

On sheltered sites and suitable soils the relative freedom from severe frosts and cold winds means growth starts earlier and continues late into the year giving rapid growth rates and high yields of healthy quality foliage.

Since foliage production commenced in the early 1990s, the industry has expanded to be worth about €3m to the south west, from where several million stems of cultivated and wild foliage are exported annually. There are over 150 hectares of cultivated foliage crops between Munster and Leinster regionS — with the largest areas in Co Kerry and Co Wexford, and smaller areas in Co Cork and Waterford.