"The fruit and vegetables are thriving, and it looks like we will have a bumper apple crop this year, sizes maybe slightly smaller though. Last year we saw the worst potato harvest in recent years, but this year it is looking fantastic. Sales of strawberries, stone fruit and salads have seen a big boost from the high temperatures."
With temperatures of 28°C the soil is very dry, but according to Justin, the bigger growers are well equipped to irrigate and smaller growers are making do with water from rivers and ditches while it lasts. The reservoirs are still looking pretty full after the big rainfall in Spring and he doesn't expect any water restrictions at the moment, but that could change at any time.
Sales of Irish produce have seen a big boost this year through a Government initiative to get consumers to buy Irish grown produce. Also, the Government-backed 'Hand of Friendship' and 'The Gathering' schemes to increase tourism have seen visitors numbers to the Emerald Isle increase, (from US+6%, UK +8%) all of which is helping the economy out of recession.
This has a knock-on effect on sales of fresh produce, but according to Justin the Buy Irish initiative has produced great results, this has been a joint effort with retailers such as Dunnes and Tesco to price Irish grown produce in comparison to cheaper imports, "Even if the Irish product is a few cents more the consumers will buy it."
In last few years some growers sold their land because property prices were high and land a valuable commodity, but Justin explains that now growers who may have considering selling up are actually seeing profits. This can only be good news for the sector.
For more information:
Justin Leonard
Jackie Leonard and Sons.
Tel: +353 1 873 3055
Email: justin@jackieleonards.ie
www.justinleonard.net