Government must ‘step in’ to support horticulture - Green Party
The Green Party has urged the government to “step in to support the horticulture sector in Ireland" after a liquidator was appointed to a family-run vegetable business.
Green Party Senator Malcolm Noonan said: “The practice of selling Irish fruit and veg below the cost of production as a ‘loss leader’ is a long-held strategy of the major multiples.
“It is hugely damaging to the sector, where growers are price takers in the market.
“This practice should be outlawed in my view.”
Earlier this week, the High Court ruled that Hughes Agriculture and Farming Limited “be wound up” and a liquidator appointed.
The company was based in Kells, Kilkenny, and its farm consisted of 700ac of crops, including carrots, parsnips, pumpkins, cereals, flower bulbs, onions and grassland.
Green Party councillor and deputy mayor of Kilkenny City, Maria Dollard said that her thoughts were “with the Hughes family and with their employees at this difficult time”.
She added: “The sector needs support to survive and we need our independent growers for our food security particularly during an energy crisis when the cost of imported foods and fertiliser costs will only continue to rise.”
Senator Noonan added: “Unfortunately changes in weather patterns over recent years is also contributing to uncertainty in the sector.
“This winter and early spring has been particularly challenging.
“It is for these reasons that the Green Party is calling for some form of support to maintain this important sector, add to our food security, and to ensure that we have a diversified farming system based on a regenerative agriculture mode.”
Senator Noonan and Cllr. Dollard said that funding such as the Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture Scheme and the National Strategy for Horticulture “should both have increased funding to support innovation in horticulture, particularly in adapting to a changing climate”.
Senator Noonan added: “Some form of income support should be also considered.
“It is important too that we as consumers include as much Irish-grown fruit and veg in our weekly shopping basket to support local producers and local economies.”
‘Deep sadness’
Separately, Carlow-Kilkenny Fine Gael TD Catherine Callaghan has expressed her “deep sadness” at the “potential loss of up to 45 jobs” at Hughes Farming Limited.
Deputy Callaghan said: “This is a devastating blow for the workers, their families and the wider community in Kells.”
“I have asked that the Department of Social Protection would be available to assist here.
"Employees are advised to visit their local Intreo Centre in Kilkenny for support and advice.
She added: “There are a range of income supports available, and assistance to move to alternative employment, or to access appropriate education, training, and development options.”
