Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2018
30. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consumption rate of fruit and vegetables here for the most recent year available; the percentage of annual consumption of fresh produce produced here; the percentage for imports in this regard; his views on the future of the fresh produce and horticultural sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18110/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the first aspect of the question regarding fruit and vegetable consumption I wish to advise the House that IUNA, the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance have conducted a number of National Food Consumption Surveys over the past 20 years. These have been funded primarily by my Department.
The most relevant survey in terms of the population’s overall consumption for fruit and vegetables is the most recent National Adult Nutrition Survey which was conducted over the period 2008-2010 with its findings published in 2011.
Over the three year period this survey investigated habitual food and beverage consumption, lifestyle, health indicators and attitudes to food and health in a representative sample consisting of 1,500 adults aged 18 years and over in the Republic of Ireland. The database which was compiled from the survey is the most complete and up-to-date collection of food consumption data available for adults in Ireland. It is also one of the most comprehensive of its kind in Europe.
The survey found that fruit and vegetables were consumed by the majority of the population. The average combined intake of fruit and vegetables (excluding composite dishes, fruit juice and potatoes) was 192g per day. The World Health Organisation recommends a daily intake of 400g of fruit and vegetables. At the time of the survey this recommendation was met by only 9% of 18-64 year olds and 15% of those aged 65 years and over.
More recently Healthy Ireland, a Government initiative to improve the health of the Irish people, has increased the recommended number of fruit and vegetable portions for the Irish population up to seven a day. All fresh, frozen, tinned, dried and juiced choices count towards the recommended seven a day. There is a job of work to be done in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption levels and it will take time to effect long term changes in consumer behaviour but Healthy Ireland are actively working on this.
Fruit and vegetables provide a range of vitamins and minerals and are an excellent source of fibre. They are usually low in fat and calories and that is why having seven a day can help maintain a healthy weight. As many in the House will know it is very important that we eat sufficient fruit and vegetables as they lower the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.
Of course, it goes without saying that it is best to choose Irish fruit and vegetables in season where possible.
Looking at other aspects of the Deputy’s question it is not possible to give a definitive meaningful breakdown of consumption in terms of imported versus domestically produced fruit and vegetables. The percentage breakdown differs greatly between products and across seasons. For example, all citrus fruit consumed here is imported but the majority of strawberries consumed here during the Irish production season are grown in Ireland. This situation also pertains in-season for most of the vegetable crops grown here.
In response to the final element of the Deputy’s question I hold a very positive outlook for the future of fresh produce and the Irish Horticulture Sector overall.
FoodWise 2025 identified the potential to grow Irish horticultural output by 25% and this should be achievable given the need to increase overall fruit and vegetable consumption in the Irish diet.
Irish horticulture growers are among the most efficient and technologically advanced in the world; however in considering potential to expand production and replace imports we must be conscious of the economic and environmental aspects which may not justify extending the season for Irish production or the growth of certain crops under current Irish climatic conditions.
The Irish horticulture industry is one of the more dynamic sectors within Irish agriculture and is constantly evolving over time. Issues such as Brexit will potentially present challenges to those exporting horticultural produce and the mushroom sector in particular, however growers are reacting by seeking to diversify production and by seeking to source new markets. Other growers are also taking advantage of projected changes in the Irish climate with a vineyard recently established in the South of Wexford and a grower in Wicklow initiating establishment of a hops plantation last year with the intention of supplying Irish hops for use in the growing Irish craft beer sector.
My Department continues to support development within the horticulture sector primarily through two Schemes. The nationally funded Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector funds capital investments in specialised horticultural buildings and equipment. The EU funded Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisation Scheme provides support for growers that produce in a more environmentally friendly manner and are willing to come together to collectively market their produce. There are currently two Irish based fruit and vegetable Producer Organisations and a number of other fruit and vegetable growers are actively considering the possibility of becoming involved in a Producer Organisation.
