Ulster Farmers’ Union potato committee chairman, Robert Sibbett (Jnr), has said that with the difficulties and cost experienced in securing conacre land and with a likely tightening in supplies, potato producers should use this opportunity to market their produce strongly.
“There is good demand out there for new season potatoes and although yields are lower than last year, eating quality is very good,” said Mr Sibbett.
But he added that the weather has been a challenge this year for planting and growing crops, forcing down yields. “As with other farm products the weak euro is giving competitors an advantage in the local and GB market, and farmers here need to do all they can to maximise returns,” he said.
Robert says it is important that all buyers, processors and retailers recognise the efforts of producers to raise their game and consistently produce quality potatoes. “Merchants, packers and consumers all need to recognise the merits of supporting the growers by offering and buying local quality potatoes in Northern Ireland. Retailers, large and small, need to pay their part to promote local potatoes. Production costs increase every year and returns above the cost of production have to be reflected in the prices farmers receive, not least to safeguard Northern Ireland continuing to have a potato sector in the future,” he said.
