Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss consolidation in horticultural grower numbers with Irish Farmers’ Association

Ahead of the meeting at 5.30pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “The Irish fruit and vegetable sector is currently worth in excess of €500 million and is anticipated to grown by 30 per cent in the coming years. However, the horticultural sector faces many challenges, including the rising cost of production and downward pressure on prices by the retailer. These and other cost factors have resulted in the consolidation of growers over the past decade. The Committee looks forward to discussing these challenges and the changes needed to save and protect this vital agrifood sector with the farmers representatives.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.