Irish berry sector poised for further growth as strawberries lead way

The Teagasc National Berry Seminar and Trade show, which took place in Carlow, heard how further growth in the sector is expected.

Dr Eamonn Kehoe of Teagasc said the Irish berry sector continues to be one of the most challenging, rewarding and profitable in Irish horticulture.

Protected strawberry production continues to be the mainstay of the berry industry in Ireland.

Dr Kehoe said the fresh strawberry industry, in particular, continues to grow each year and consumers are now eating €37 million worth of theses berries every year.

The seminar was organised by Teagasc in association with the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association and Bord Bia.

Michal Slawski, Bord Bia, outlined how total fruit volume sales in Ireland are growing.

The value of blueberry sales has been increasing and the value of raspberry sales are growing.

The latest research and development taking place in Teagasc for the soft fruit sector was outlined as well as an update on the integrated pest management of crops.