Consumers must buy Irish vegetables this Christmas to support cash-strapped farmers, Minister for Food Trevor Sargent said today.
The Green Party TD said local produce is fresher and has a lower carbon footprint compared with imports.
The price war between supermarkets is forcing farmers to accept payment which is well below production costs, he said.
“The reality is that farmers are being shafted in the battle for supermarket retail market share,” Mr Sargent said.
“The jobs of 7,500 workers involved in horticulture are being put at risk by this short-sighted policy.”
The cost for Irish farmers of producing vegetables and potatoes for Christmas this season has risen substantially because of soaring fuel and fertiliser prices.
Mr Sargent added: “Farmers appreciate the loyalty and support of the Irish shopper for Irish-grown food.
@This loyalty and support is now more essential than ever to save Irish jobs and to ensure the freshest possible produce is available on the Irish market. Imported produce has to travel further and can never compete for freshness.”
Mr Sargent claimed farmers were being paid 16 per cent less for a kilo of pre-packed Brussels sprouts than they were at the same time last year.
PA