Ministers welcome retailer’s move
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and Minister of State Andrew Doyle announcement last week their welcome for a statement from SuperValu to the effect that it is supporting Irish vegetable growers in response to the recent drought conditions.
Minister Doyle said: “I strongly welcome this initiative by SuperValu to support Irish growers, and would encourage other retailers to follow this example. Irish consumers can also play their part, by buying and eating more vegetables carrying the Bord Bia Quality Mark, as part of a balanced healthy diet.”
The current drought has been challenging for all sectors of Irish farming and none more so than the horticultural sector. This is a practical example of retailers recognising the importance of suppliers and the challenges that they face in ensuring we are supplied with fresh produce every day of the year.”
Minister Creed said: “I have asked Bord Bia to support the vegetable sector through the provision of a new, bespoke programme of business mentoring for impacted businesses. In addition, I anticipate that Bord Bia will also expand and make available its lean programme, which has recently been successfully piloted in the horticulture industry.”