Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
358 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the serious problems facing the small mushroom growers here, where costs have gone extraordinarily high and where wholesale prices are being reduced by the multinational retailers; the measures she intends to put in place in order to deal with this crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28861/04]
View answerThe mushroom sector is facing many serious challenges including increases in the costs of production and downward pressure on prices due to increased competition from Dutch and Polish mushroom producers on our main market in the UK. Producers here have found themselves in a price-cost squeeze. Small growers are vulnerable in this situation and it is important for them to form part of a broad supply base. In this regard membership of a producer organisation provides a vehicle to achieve co-ordination of supply and also facilitates the drawing down of EU aid.
The mushroom task force was set up at the end of last year to consider the problems facing the industry. It issued its report earlier this year and made a number of recommendations to address the competitive threats facing the sector. Implementation of these recommendations is ongoing and is important for all in the industry to embrace change so that the sector can maximise its position to face the challenges arising in the future.
