Madam, - The cost of bread is expected to rise significantly, supposedly as a result of rising wheat prices. This is completely unnecessary. Given that the wheat element in an average loaf costing €1.25 has a value of around seven cents, the wheat price is almost irrelevant.
This is increasingly the case with food products. The raw material cost is incidental. Manufacturing, packaging, transport, advertising and the retailers' margins all heavily outweigh the farmer's slice of the loaf. - Yours, etc,
GERALD POTTERTON,
Moyrath,
Kildalkey,
Co Meath.
