Tomato growers hopeful for an easing of tough challenges in the year ahead

“As growers, we have to keep evolving and introducing new varieties, new lines, and trying to add value to what we’re doing through innovation.”

Vine tomatoes in the greenhouse last year. Picture: Dan Linehan

An Irish tomato grower who feared a delayed start to his 2023 season has said that horticulture is a “challenging sector to be involved in”, especially in the last year, but he is hopeful of an easing of input price increases going forward.

In October, the Irish Examiner reported that Grantstown Nurseries, based in Ballygunner outside Waterford City, was considering its next moves as the Dutch plant raiser it had worked with for many years announced that it was winding down due to the impact of input costs on the business.