Andrew Doyle: Horticulture worth €400m

Horticulture contributed a farm gate value of €400m in 2015, making it the third most valuable agricultural commodity after beef and dairy, said Agriculture Minister of State, Andrew Doyle.

The sector makes an important economic contribution and generates significant ancillary employment in areas such as preparing, packing produce, distribution, retail, garden design and landscaping, Mr Doyle said during a Seanad debate on agriculture.

Irish consumers spend on average of €1.2bn on fresh fruit, vegetables and potatoes, second only to dairy produce.