Potato sector Northern Ireland outs concerns

Following the publication of the Potato Industry Feasibility Study, the DUP held a series of meetings this week with key players within the potato industry. The DUP took the opportunity to hear first hand the challenges facing the potato industry within Northern Ireland.

The DUP held separate meetings this week with both Wilson's Country Ltd and Ballymoney Foods. MEP, Jim Allister, said: "Following discussions with both of these companies, it is clear that both of them face similar challenges despite producing different end products.

"Both companies have to produce a high quality product for the multiple retailers. "Similar to other sectors supplying multiple retailers within Northern Ireland, there are pressures for development of new innovative products while reducing margins. I welcome the recent developments that have taken place within Wilson's Country Ltd.

"The company has recently constructed new premises, are developing new products and have a clear business plan for the future." The DUP has also met with a group of farmers involved in the growing of seed potatoes.

During the meeting with the farmers, concerns were raised about increases in inspection charges relating to classification and certification of seed potatoes. Mr Allister said: "I share the concerns of the farmers who are involved in the growing of seed potatoes.

"We will be lobbying DARD to ensure that Northern Ireland seed potato producers are not uncompetitive with other regions as a result of increases in inspection.

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