Potato growers in the Irish Republic are facing financial ruin, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), after what has been described as the worst weather for more than 50 years.
Some 25-30 per cent of last year’s crop - 6,000 acres - remains unharvested, says the IFA, because of the torrential rain in November and December, followed by the current arctic freeze. The body estimates that 20 per cent of the potatoes will not be recovered, representing a loss to growers of more than €15 million (£13.5m).
The chairman of the IFA’s potato committee, Thomas Carpenter, has now issued a public appeal to retailers and government to help growers survive the crisis. Retailers, he said, “must respond immediately by paying producers a viable price for crop in store”, while agriculture minister Brendan Smith should provide an emergency financial package for those worst affected.
Carpenter described the situation as “a wipe-out” for growers, who had already experienced a difficult season with low prices and rising input costs, compounded by the worst weather in over half a century. The potatoes still in the ground were now frozen solid, he said, and would simply rot when the thaw eventually came. “For some growers it could be March before they can go back into the fields and others, unfortunately, will not be able to plant potatoes at all this year because of the losses incurred. That’s the reality of what has happened.”
Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots and other vegetables are also at risk, according to Carpenter, as growers have been unable to harvest them because of the big freeze-up. “There will be losses here too,” he said, “although it is to early to estimate how big they will be.”
Trade sources predict that the substantial crop losses, particularly of potatoes, will be reflected in the shops later in the year and in the prices consumers will be asked to pay. A spokesman for Tesco, the Republic’s largest retailer, said there was “no problem” with potato supplies at present but acknowledged that “if the present arctic conditions continue here in Ireland and in Europe for longer, there could be an impact on the availability of vegetables down the road”.
Meanwhile, Tesco and other multiples are currently battling each other with cut-price potatoes and vegetables. Dunnes Stores is offering a 10kg bag of Rooster potatoes for just €1.94, while the Tesco price is six cents more, at €2, and the two carry on the price cuts with Brussels sprouts, cabbage, swede and carrots.
The Musgrave-owned SuperValu chain and discounters Aldi and Lidl have also joined in with similar ‘giveaway’ prices on cauliflower, peppers, parsnips and broccoli.
