Weather and Input Costs Putting Further Pressure on Field Vegetable and Potato Growers – IFA

The Irish Farmers’ Association has warned that ongoing dry and hot weather conditions coupled with soaring input costs are putting significant pressure on horticulture growers, particularly outdoor crops such as field vegetable and potato growers. Crops have endured significant moisture stress, reduced yield potential and increased production costs.

IFA Fruit and Vegetable Committee Chair Niall McCormack said growers are suffering huge financial losses due to yield reductions and lost crops.

“Field vegetable crops are down up to 60% if crops are unirrigated and up to 20% in irrigated crops. Over the prolonged hot period, producers are also incurring considerable extra costs due to irrigation requirements.”

“It costs over €100/ac to irrigate a crop just once.  Many crops need to be irrigated multiple times due to the continuation of dry weather conditions. The situation is causing a perfect storm for increased costs and diminished returns,” he said.

The situation is not unique to Ireland – drought condition in the UK and Europe are stark with widespread crop shortages.

He said retailers need to recognise that growers are going to extraordinary lengths and expense to manage crops and maintain supply to their customers.

“Retailers and facilitators must show solidarity and lend support at this challenging time. Vegetable specifications and farm gate prices need to be reviewed to reflect the current difficult farm business environment,” he added.

IFA Potato Chair Jason O’Leary said potato growers are concerned about the impact of the prolonged dry conditions on crops.

“Potato crops are under significant moisture stress in many areas. While it is anticipated that there will be sufficient potatoes to meet market demand, the major concern is the viability of growers.”

“It already costs in the region of €5,000/acre to grow a potato crop, before land rental and other costs are included. If yields are reduced by up to 40% which is the case in some regions – the economics simply do not stack up. Growers cannot continue producing a crop at a loss, and there is a real risk that some will not be in a position to plant potatoes next year,” Jason O’Leary said.

“This comes after an already difficult growing season, with planting significantly delayed in many areas. The full impact on yields will not be known until harvesting, but growers are facing a very challenging year and need a viable return to ensure potato production continues in Ireland,” he added.

IFA will continue to monitor conditions across both sectors and engage with Government and the wider supply chain on the challenges facing growers.