Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
548 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospect of the ending of the commercial growing of tulips here in view of the importance of the wider commercial flower and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21334/12]
View answerThe moist Irish climate is not ideally suited to commercial tulip production. In addition, only certain Irish soils are suitable for this crop. While some outdoor growers have ceased tulip production in recent years others, that are operating under protective structures, continue and some are planning to expand their tulip production. Cut flower and bulb production in Ireland represents a very small proportion of overall horticultural output and tulip production was always a small part of the cut flower and bulb production sector. For example, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine estimates for 2011 valued Irish cut flower and bulb production output at just under €2m, compared to an overall horticultural output farm gate value of €289m.
