Fruit and vegetable suppliers to the Irish retail supermarket chain, Superquinn, which is being purchased by new owners, have demanded firm commitments that their contracts with the company will continue.
The chairman of the Dublin County Irish Farmers' Association, Mr David Rodgers, said that there was a lot of concern following the announcement that the supermarket chain was being taken over by a consortium of Irish businessmen.
Mr Rodgers pointed out that most of Superquinn's potatoes and vegetables come from specialist growers in north Co Dublin.
"These growers have supplied Superquinn for up to 20 years and have invested significant amounts of money to ensure top-quality and fully traceable produce for Superquinn.
"Growers are contacting me to say they are concerned over the current uncertainty with the change of ownership," he said.
"This is a critical time of the year when growers are planning for the new season and need to know where they stand. Growers are looking for assurances from Superquinn, before the busy planting period begins," said Mr Rodgers.
A spokesperson for Superquinn said yesterday that the issue of the purchase of the company was still in the hands of the Competition Authority.
"However, Mr Feargal Quinn has written to a large number of his loyal suppliers over the years reassuring them that it is business as usual," she said.
"I gather that a letter has gone out to the Irish Farmers' Association president, Mr John Dillon, informing him of the intended change in ownership," she said.
"It is true to say that the company has not spoken to each individual grower but my understanding is that it is business as usual for those suppliers who have been doing business with us," she said.
Irish farmers, most of them based in north Co Dublin and in Co Wexford, supply the supermarket with an estimated €20 million worth of fruit and vegetables annually.
In recent years the farmers have been critical of the company for selling in-season vegetables in promotions at very low prices which the growers claim amounted to below-cost selling.