Bord Bia supports amenity sector exporters through the Amenity Export Programme. The Programme which is underpinned through mentoring support is targeted at amenity horticulture business owners, who wish to build on existing export sales or enter export markets for the first time. With the advent of Brexit and the importance of the UK market to exporters in this sector, the support is being amplified and targeted where needed.
Nursery stock producers in Ireland are potentially faced with many challenges and opportunities as a result of Brexit. Whilst it is difficult at this stage to identify the extent of those challenges, nursery stock producers can in the meantime work on improving their business processes and improve their competency in marketing and sales, enabling them to be ready for future challenges. Some trials of the effects of lean productivity systems are being carried out to investigate their potential for the sector. The value of amenity exports increased to €17.9m in 2017, with hardy nursery stock being the biggest sector at €7m. ✽
