Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am deeply committed to safeguarding the Irish potato sector and my Department provides a range of supports to achieve this.

In response to the UK’s decision to leave the EU, the sector was supported in 2022 and 2023 through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Seed Potato Sector and the Chipping Potato Sector. My Department also provides ongoing and expanded support for potato growers through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme.

I am keenly aware of the challenges posed by weather conditions in 2023 and into 2024. In relation to last year’s crop, I understand the weather has impacted potato growers to differing extents around the country. It was estimated that less than 3.6% of the overall planted area remained in the ground at the beginning of March 2024.

Nevertheless, I am very mindful of the impact of the prolonged exceptional weather conditions in 2024 on the potato sector. The recent wet weather caused a delay in the planting of potatoes this season. It is estimated that only 10-15% of the intended plantings of early potatoes were sown due to poor weather conditions.

To give confidence to farmers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry, I recently announced that I would work to deliver a €100/ha payment for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. My Department is considering the next steps, including the State Aid and other approvals and the identification of appropriate funding. I am committed to our potato sector and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for these farmers.

Planting is now well underway for both second earlies and main crop potatoes. My Department will continue to closely monitor the situation.