Current carrot price unsustainable as growers call for 6c per carrot increase

With climate events, costs and inflation putting pressure on carrot growers, the Irish Carrot Growers Group is calling for a 6c per carrot increase to try and offset costs

The Irish Carrot Growers Group is warning the economics of producing Ireland's favourite vegetable are becoming increasingly unsustainable, with production costs rising by about 100% since 2020, while retail carrot prices have increased by just 40% over the same period.

Irish carrot growers are proposing a “modest increase of just 6c per carrot” to account for inflation.

The Irish Carrot Growers Group (ICGG) is warning the economics of producing Ireland's favourite vegetable are becoming increasingly unsustainable, with production costs rising by about 100% since 2020, while retail carrot prices have increased by just 40% over the same period.

Growers face rising production costs, unsustainable market returns, and increasing climate-related challenges, including recent drought conditions. Growers warn urgent action is needed to ensure the long-term viability of Ireland’s favourite vegetable.

The group represents more than 95% of Ireland's retail carrot supply. The sector now comprises just nine commercial growers following the recent loss of a major producer that accounted for about 12% of national output.

A kilo of carrots currently retails for about €1.39. With an average kilo containing about 10 carrots, this equates to less than 14c per carrot.

The ICGG estimates the retail price of €1.98 per kilo will be needed to account for inflation alone, which equates to roughly 20c per carrot.

Chair of the ICGG, Tom Murray, said: "Consumers see carrots as one of the most affordable and healthy foods available, and rightly so. However, the reality is that the current economics of producing carrots in Ireland no longer make sense. The gap between production costs and returns has widened significantly over recent years, and that is putting real pressure on growers.

Ireland is fortunate to have highly skilled carrot growers, but the challenge now is ensuring that domestic production remains financially viable and that the next generation of growers has confidence to continue investing in the sector.

"This inflation cost doesn’t account for the pressures growers face due to the current season or the substantial cost increases that exceed general consumer inflation."

The current drought has affected growers heavily and has intensified pressures for growers to manage.

The ICGG reports a 166% increase in the need for irrigation, adding to significant labour, fuel and operational costs.

According to Teagasc, input costs for field vegetable production increased by 77% between 2020 and January 2026, while a survey of Irish carrot growers indicates drought-related pressures have added a further 13% increase to input costs during the current season, which translates into a 23% increase in marketable production costs for this period.

Carrots remain Ireland's most purchased vegetable, with retail sales of about 52,000 tonnes annually and a retail market value of aabout €66m. Irish growers currently produce 62,000 tonnes of carrots annually on 891 hectares countrywide.

Vice-chair of the ICGG, John Dockrell, said: "Climate events that were once considered unusual are becoming increasingly common. Growers are investing heavily in irrigation infrastructure, water storage and other resilience measures, while also adapting to changes in crop protection and regulatory requirements. All of this requires significant capital and, critically, confidence that there will be a sustainable return on that investment.

Food security is not simply about having food available today. It is about retaining the growers, skills, infrastructure and investment needed to continue producing food in Ireland in the years ahead.

"Ireland currently imports about 18,000 to 20,000 tonnes of carrots annually. Maintaining a strong domestic sector therefore matters. Consumers want to buy Irish and support local growers, but that can only happen if domestic production remains economically viable."