Some sources claim that supermarkets, that are unwilling to increase pay for Irish-grown vegetables, are forcing farmers to close up shop. Grower Joe Jones from north Dublin exited the industry last year and says that some of the country’s largest vegetable producers who have announced their decision to follow suit, are making the right decision.
“Input costs have gone through the roof, but the supply chain refuses to pay any more for the grower’s produce,” he said. “I went from making some money to losing a lot and it just wasn’t worth it any more. I knew things weren’t going to be any different in five years, so I got out. I used to grow a large amount of cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli but now I’ve turned my focus to growing wheat and barley for cattle feed. There’s no willingness from the supermarkets to increase their pay for produce to an acceptable level.”
Paul Brophy, IFA Horticulture chair, who is one of the country’s largest growers of broccoli says in 2018 he was one of 18 broccoli growers. Today there are just six. “That’s a massive decrease and still there’s nothing being done about it.”
Brophy also says those who hand harvest vegetables are worst hit compared to growing a crop which can be harvested by machine.
Source: independent.ie
