The Teagasc National Berry Seminar and Trade show, which took place in Carlow recently, 1 May, heard how further growth in the Irish berry sector is expected. Dr Eamonn Kehoe of Teagasc said that the Irish berry sector continues to be one of the most challenging, rewarding and profitable sectors of Irish horticulture. He said that protected strawberry production continues to be the mainstay of the berry industry in Ireland. The fresh strawberry industry, in particular, continues to grow each year and consumers are now eating €37 million worth of theses berries every year.
The seminar was organised by Teagasc in association with the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association and Bord Bia. Michal Slawski from Bord Bia outlined how total fruit volume sales in Ireland are growing. The value of blueberry sales has been increasing and the value of raspberry sales are growing.
The latest research and development taking place in Teagasc for the soft fruit sector was outlined as well as an update on the integrated pest management of crops.
Mr Gary Mc Carthy, Vice Chairman I.S.F.G.A. Naas with Mr Paddy Browne, Head of Crops, Environment and Land-Use Research Programme, Teagasc; Dr Eamon Kehoe Teagasc, Wexford and Dr Jim O’Mahony, Head of Tillage Crops KT and Horticulture, Teagasc at the Teagasc National Berry Seminar in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel Carlow last Thursday 1 May.
The proceedings from the event are available here.
