Cork crisp company appeals to public for help in harvesting beetroot crop before frost hits

Due to 'constant rain' the team at Joe's Farm Crisps has been unable to harvest the beetroot crop in the usual manner

Waterlogged beds of beetroot at Joe's Farm Crisps. Picture: Joe's Farm Crisps/Facebook

Staff at Joe's Farm Crisps in East Cork have issued an urgent appeal for help in harvesting an acre of beetroot by hand, before winter frosts hit.

Due to "constant rain", the team at Joe's Farm Crisps has been unable to "travel the land" and harvest the beetroot in the usual manner.

They tried several times on Thursday morning but failed, and are now seeking the public's assistance in picking the 14 beds of beetroot by hand — a job they thought was well behind them.

In a post on Facebook, a spokesperson for Joe's Farm Crisps said:

We’ve an acre of beetroot that must get out of the ground asap, as one night's frost will destroy it. 

"We also need to get it cooked into crisps & have it ready in the next few weeks for shows & Christmas," they said. "This has never happened us before."

The team at Joe's Farm Crisps are hoping "as many as possible" will be willing to give up a few hours to help.

"The more we have the better," they said.

The operation begins on Saturday from 10am, and is expected to run into next week. Wellies are essential.

The Burns family of Joe's Farm Crisps with a previous crop and beetroot growing in the fields at Killeagh, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

"If anyone can help it would be absolutely amazing," they said.

At the time of writing, the cry for help on Facebook had accumulated 254 likes, 67 comments, and more than 1,000 shares, with many commentators suggesting that local schools, scout groups, and sports clubs get involved to help.

One woman said: "Would schools get involved? It could also become a TY task as part of their helping in the community module. Local scouts and youth clubs might help also. Just trying to think outside the box, hope you save your crop."

The team is currently putting a plan in place, and trying to co-ordinate who can come when, and for how long.

"If you can’t come please try to see or ask if someone else could. Please text 0876329334 if you can come to let us know what day & time you can do," the appeal said.

Joe's Farm Crisps is a small, family-run business based in Killeagh. It was set up in 2014.

Joe's Farm Crisps produces vegetable crisps including carrot, parsnip, and beetroot crisps, alongside several potato crisp options.

Joe grows all the vegetables and everything is produced on the farm. 

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