Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
860. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the potato industry to be in a position to adapt and meet the requirements of the catering sector in Ireland after Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42069/20]
View answerI am of course very aware of both the challenges and opportunities that may present themselves to the potato industry post-Brexit. The restrictions around importation of potatoes presents a very significant opportunity to our potato industry to displace imported potatoes with high quality produce from our own farmers.
To ensure that the sector is well placed to exploit such opportunities, my Department is engaged in the Potato Development group. This group also includes representation from Bord Bia, Teagasc and IFA. Recently this group has specifically identified the fresh chip sector as an area with huge potential for Irish growers through the ‘Fresh Cut Chipping Potato project’.
The project has two aspects, the first is focused on the technical aspects of producing good quality chipping potatoes that will fulfil the Irish chip shop requirements. To this end, Teagasc has hosted a number of on-farm demonstrations to provide advice and guidance to growers. The second aspect focuses on the market research and promotion of the Irish grown potato. In addition, Bord Bia has produced a video, promoting the quality of Irish potatoes for supply to the fresh chipping market.
Of course, the challenges to the sector after Brexit are also real. In this regard, my Department continues to engage directly with the potato industry in raising awareness of these challenges through the issuance of Trader Notices to the sector, direct meetings and via other agency meetings including the Potato Development Group, the Potato Conference, IFA, Bord Bia, Teagasc, Horticulture Industry Forum and Irish Potato Federation.
