Two new mushroom sector schemes have been launched in Ireland, with a combined budget of €6 mln. The budget was drawn entirely from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund.
Around 80-85% of Irish mushrooms are exported to the UK, leaving the sector highly exposed to any adverse trade impacts resulting from Brexit. The short shelf life of mushrooms and tight margin largely rule out the viability of exporting to continental Europe, the Department has said.
Minister
for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue stated that the funds will improve the efficiency of the mushroom sector. "The mushroom sector provides a valuable contribution to the Irish economy with a farmgate value of approximately €130 million in 2022," the minster commented. "I am delighted to announce these two schemes with a budget of €5 million, which will support growers, packhouses and compost yards in developing efficiencies lost as a result of Brexit."
Just over €1 mln in funds had been granted to Bord Bia to promote Irish mushrooms in the UK, this money was drawn down from the BAR fund.
Source: farmersjournal.ie