Consumers urged to support local potato growers as they face 'many challenges'

The potato is synonymous with Irish culture and Irish growers "provide consumers with quality, nutritious potatoes for 12 months of the year".

Consumers, packers, and retailers are being urged to support Irish potato growers.

Irish Farmers' Association national potato chairman Sean Ryan said that the Irish potato industry is a critical indigenous sector worth over €105m at the farm gate with over 8,000 hectares planted annually. 

The potato is synonymous with Irish culture and Irish growers "provide consumers with quality, nutritious potatoes for 12 months of the year", Mr Ryan said.

"Irish growers are resilient but unfortunately, the number of growers has been in decline for a number of years," he said. 

"Land availability and soaring input costs remain key challenges. The past year has been challenging for growers from spiralling input costs and it is shaping up to be one of the most difficult harvest seasons in recent memory."

Staple

Home consumption and retail sales are buoyant this season as consumers "realise potatoes are excellent value for money as a staple", according to Mr Ryan.

Today (Friday) is National Potato Day, and focuses on the potato as an important source of nutrients. 

The campaign aims to appeal to the young generation by showing them how versatile the potato is and how they are also value for money which is important for all in the current climate.