The number of Irish farmers growing potatoes commercially has fallen to a low of 1,263, it emerged yesterday at the publication of the Bord Glas development plan.
The plan shows that potatoes comprise 36 per cent of the total fresh produce market, with an output value last year of £79 million. Table potatoes are widely grown, with the main production centres in Meath, Dublin, Louth, Cork and Wexford representing 80 per cent of the national production area.
"There has been a steady decline in the number of growers in the sector in recent years. Commercial growers declined from 1,704 in 1994 to 1,263 in 1998." it states.
Mr Michael Maloney, of Bord Glas, said the rationalisation of the potato-growing sector meant there were fewer growers but they were growing the same acreage as in previous years. He said Bord Glas was not worried about the decline in numbers if production levels and quality were maintained.
The plan shows that while a wide range of varieties is produced nationally, the top four traditional potato varieties, Kerr pinks, rooster, record and British queen, represent approximately 66 per cent of the production area.
The State's production area is typically in the order of 16,000 hectares, but output remains volatile depending on planting, growing and harvesting conditions as well as European market changes.