Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
861. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total acreage of potatoes sown in Ireland in each of the past five years to date; the plans for expansion in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42070/20]
View answerThe total area of potatoes sown in Ireland has remained relatively stable over the recent period. In 2016 the area sown was 8,945Ha; in 2017 it was 9,067Ha; in 2018 the area reduced to 8,233Ha; in 2019 saw an increase to 8,634Ha and this continued in 2020 with plantings of 8,873Ha.
I am firmly of the view that opportunities to increase the national acreage of potatoes will emerge post-Brexit particularly on the fresh chipping market. 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.
Also, jointly funded potato industry and EU promotional schemes have helped to increase consumption of potatoes here and there has been strong evidence of increased sales at retail level throughout 2020.
