this summer has shown us how precarious the supply of both indigenous and imported fruit and vegatables is. The summer drought has affected not just ireland but most of europe so the supply of fruit and veg will be significantly down. Ireland is more dependant on imports of fruit and veg than other european countries so we are actually more exposed. The supermarkets have concentrated their supply of irish fruit and veg to a few very large producers in the north dublin , meath areas. This is the area worst hit by the drought as it is the driest area in the country. If there were more small producers of fruit and veg scattered evenly over the country the effects of drought would not be as severe as areas in north west ireland have got adequate rainfall. Also if you are a small producer it is easier to manage the situation and get water onto crops from a farm well or from a river. This is too difficult for large producers.
Therefore the blunt market works most of the time and we benefit from lower prices until a year like this comes around and then we see how dangerous and precarious the supply of food is. So I think there needs to be guaranteed pricing for vegetable producers and other market supports. Growing fruit and veg is a very difficult job, after a year like this there is a danger that even the large suppliers in north dublin/ meath will quit the game and do something easier.
Therefore the blunt market works most of the time and we benefit from lower prices until a year like this comes around and then we see how dangerous and precarious the supply of food is. So I think there needs to be guaranteed pricing for vegetable producers and other market supports. Growing fruit and veg is a very difficult job, after a year like this there is a danger that even the large suppliers in north dublin/ meath will quit the game and do something easier.