Industry built on great tradition

SOME 500,000 Christmas Trees are being harvested in Ireland this year following excellent growing conditions. Some 300,000 of them are being sold on the home market with the remaining 200,000 being exported, mainly to Britain.

Production is concentrated in counties Wexford, Carlow, Wicklow, Tipperary and Cork where soils and climate combine to produce high yields. About eight million trees of all ages are currently growing on about 1,500 hectares. There are about 10 significant producers and 70 to 80 smaller growers. The farm gate value of current domestic and export sales is estimated at €10 million, plus retail values of €25m.

Some 300,00 Irish families put up a real Christmas tree in their homes each year. It is a tradition that goes back thousands of years. And there are indications that more people are returning to the practice.