Foliage sector worth €3m to south west
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.
The main cultivated species grown is eucalyptus, closely followed by laurel, pittosporum and Ozothamnus. Also grown, in smaller quantities, are viburnum, brachyglottis, rosemary and heather. Important forest and woodland species include rhododendron, pine, noble fir and birch.
Teagasc and Bord Bia are carrying out trials on new species. The cut foliage is used in large quantities for decoration, sometimes with flowers in bouquets. In Holland, 25-30% of bouquets now consist of foliage compared to 5%, 15 years ago.
Important requirements for the export market are regular supply of a fixed volume, consistent quality with fixed specification, and fixed price.
Customers are constantly looking for something new in this industry so it is essential to have constant contact with buyers and regular market monitoring, according to Andy Whelton of Teagasc’s Horticultural Development Department.
Foliage producers need plants which are capable of rapid regeneration after cutting, with low susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Given a suitable local climate, they need readily accessible and sheltered sites. For most plants, the land must be well drained, yet sufficiently retentive of moisture and nutrients fro steady growth.
Neutral or slightly acidic soils are preferable for most species. The site should be cleared of perennial weeds prior to planting, and annual weed control is essential in the first three years of establishment. Annual pruning is essential for most species, to help maintain health and vigour of the plantation.
Most material is raised from cuttings planted in the late spring or early summer. Plant density varies from 2,250 to 5,000 plants per hectare. All harvesting is done by hand, using a secateurs. Stems must be carefully selected for quality of leaf and shoot balance.
It is important to bear in mind that whilst some species reach economic cutting size after two growing seasons, most of the other subjects require three or up to four growing seasons in the field.
Experience suggests that a well managed eucalyptus plantation may produce 100,000 stems per hectare, and continue cropping for 12-15 years. The cost of establishing a eucalyptus plantation is put at €2,964 (for plants, preparation and planting). The expected annual return from year three or four to year 15 is €5,928 (for 100,000 stems/acre). The estimated annual production cost is €4,446 (including harvesting and transport), leaving a net profit per acre in the productive years of €1,976.
Teagasc provides training in the necessary skills.
