Major Investment Planned for Horticulture

Horticultural farms are planning to invest up to €20 million in the development of their industry according to Michael Conlon, Head of Horticulture in Teagasc. He said “ this investment is in response to the recently announced grant aid scheme of €3.6 million by the Department of Agriculture & Food, for the sector. The figures are based on over 150 applications for the scheme which have been prepared by Teagasc on behalf of horticultural producers. According to Teagasc new investments will be expended on the construction of horticultural buildings (including glasshouses), specialised production, packing and storage of quality field vegetables, mushrooms, glasshouse crops, fruit, trees and shrubs”.

Michael Conlon said, “Horticulture is a labour intensive industry and to remain competitive against international competition, growers must invest to control costs if they are to maintain market share and comply with the standards of the market place”. He reminds growers that “labour is now the major factor in the cost of production and the priority for investment must be to reduce costs and increase output per labour unit”. The overall benefit of the investment will be an increase in the output of horticulture production, greater efficiency and a more competitive sector.

In conclusion the Teagasc Head of Horticulture said “More than 1,000 producers, employing up to 5,000 people, are involved in horticultural production. With no market support mechanisms available to them, growers must compete on a world market stage on price, quality and service. Teagasc and other state agencies will continue to support these producers by providing technical information, assistance in planning, training of staff and the identification of market opportunities for new crops”.

Ends

Issued by Larry O’Loughlin

A/Head Public Relations Dept., Teagasc

Tel: 059-9183408; 087-2562434; Email:loloughlin@hq.teagasc.ie