Speaking at the National Potato Conference, Tom Hayes, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Horticulture, recently welcomed the investments made by the potato growers and packers over the years in order to remain competitive and develop market share. These have included new equipment and technologies to improve quality of output, while minimising production costs and inputs. The Minister particularly welcomed the fact that all stakeholders involved in the Irish potato industry have recently committed to preparing an application for EU co-funding to support a €1m potato promotion campaign over the next 3 years.
Referring to the current market situation, the Minster said “Potato growers have experienced difficulties marketing this year’s crop due to a combination of increased acreage, a good growing season and excellent harvesting conditions, coupled with changing market conditions and the diversity of choices now open to consumers. To stimulate demand, the industry needs to invest in a structured promotion campaign to drive increased consumption of potatoes in the long term.” He continued by saying, “Promotion is now the way forward and the industry should invest in information and promotion measures to stimulate consumer demand for our national Irish crop.”
The Minister outlined his support for a structured promotion campaign to reflect the versatility and health benefits of the potato under the EU Promotion Regime. Once approved, the European Commission will co-fund promotion programmes up to 50% of eligible costs.
The Minister went on to say “I look forward to receiving an early potato promotion campaign submission to my Department and its onward transmission to the EU Commission for approval, where it will have every chance to obtain EU co-funding. Given Bord Bia’s marketing expertise together with the co-operation that is now clearly evident from all sides of the industry, I believe the proposed 3-year promotion campaign will have the potential to significantly lift potato consumption once successful in obtaining EU funding” he concluded.
