Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Challenges Facing the Fruit and Vegetable Industry: Discussion

Mr. Pat Farrell:

They will do that in certain areas with a certain awareness. As members are aware, Keelings has a brand and we notice there is an awareness around that and it is possible to get a premium for Irish product. It is difficult for the main outside root crops, like carrots and potatoes, or for strawberries and similar products. When there is less product available in Ireland or grown in Ireland, it is difficult to identify that a product is Irish and to get consumers to pay a premium. We need to raise awareness of the national horticulture strategy and, in fairness, we are working with Bord Bia in collaboration on EU fruit and vegetable campaigns, using the Bord Bia label, as noted earlier. There is an awareness but we need to raise that awareness and get it over a greater line of projects.