IFA calls for ban on potato imports

THE Irish Farmers Association yesterday called for a ban on all potato imports until such time as the full extent of the ring rot outbreak in Wales is known and measures are put in place here to deal with the situation.

The disease has no implications for human health, but could wipe out the industry in Ireland due to the high-concentration in growing areas.

Department of Agriculture and Food officials and the IFA met yesterday to review the measures in place and the implications in the event of an outbreak spreading from Britain or the continent.