A seven-year £100 million plan for the development of Irish horticulture aims to address labour shortages by bringing in seasonal workers from abroad.
"We will work with the Department of Justice to arrange short-term visas for seasonal workers, mainly from eastern Europe, and with European universities to address the problem," said Mr Michael Maloney of Bord Glas, at the presentation of its plan in Dublin Castle yesterday. He said there were 12,000 full-time jobs in the sector and 19,000 part-time jobs. However, the board estimated there was a 12 per cent part-time labour shortage which was retarding the growth of the sector.
One of the most ambitious parts of the plan, he said, was the building of 14 hectares of greenhouse developments, which would reduce imports of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. The development plan sets a target of £310 million for farm gate output of horticultural produce by 2006. It also seeks to double the level of exports in the amenity sector - which includes flowers and shrubs - from £8 million to £16.8 million over the same period, provided there is capital investment of £100 million.
The targets set out in the programme are a result of detailed research and analysis. Growth in domestic output is based on projections that the demand for horticultural food will grow by 2.4 per cent per annum and demand for amenity produce will rise by 7 per cent per annum.
The key objectives of the plan for 2000-2006 involve support measures to increase investment in the industry, to maintain and extend effective supply chain linkages and the development of co-ordinated industry policies.
The plan will seek to develop and extend business competencies, support existing and new business opportunities and initiatives and establish and maintain quality assurance standards, targeting 1000 enterprises for quality assurance accreditation.
The board has pledged that it will provide a comprehensive range of independent market intelligence and promote the positive benefits associated with horticultural produce.
Mr Michael Murphy, chairman of An Bord Glas, said the industry had undergone radical changes in the last few years but had adapted to those changes.