A packer is predicting a tenfold increase in Irish onion production in the next few years.
Last week, Country Crest opened a £1.5 million grading, conditioning and storage facility dedicated to Tesco Ireland at Rathmooney, Lusk, Co Dublin.
The facility was launched by Mary Coughlan, agriculture minister, and welcomed by John Dillon president of the Irish Farmers’ Association.
Country Crest is already a major potato supplier, handling 26,000 tonnes annually for the national market.
Michael Hoey, managing director, said the plan is to work with a pilot group of growers who will be increasing their production from 200 to 350 acres over the coming season.
The programme will eventually increase from 300t to 3,000t. At the same time there will be further investments in primary grading and additional storage.
Country Crest has introduced Tesco’s Natures’ Choice standard and achieved the Bord Bia (The Irish Food & Drinks Board) quality assurance standard.
Paul Merrins, head of Tesco Ireland added: “We are fully committed to sourcing local produce and will work closely with Country Crest to make sure this happens for our onion suppliers, as is the case for our potato products.”
At present, Country Crest sources its onions from Ireland, the UK, Europe and New Zealand to enable year-round supplies.
