MINISTER OF STATE MOVES TO REASSURE MUSHROOM INDUSTRY CRISIS AFTER SECTOR CONCERNS ARE BROUGHT TO NATIONAL AND EU LEVEL BY LOCAL POLITICIANS

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Andrew Doyle has given assurances that the Government is doing its utmost to cushion the Irish mushroom sector from the ongoing blows of Brexit following news that at least 10 per cent of Irish mushroom farms have closed since the referendum last June.

At a Topical Issues Debate in the Dáil on Tuesday past, 18th October, the Minister outlined a series of financial measures and aid incentives that the Government has in place for the industry. “We are doing everything we can,” Mr Doyle stated, pointing out that a €1.57 million payment had been arranged to one of the producer organisations (PO) through an EU scheme.

Mr Doyle said that both he and the Minister for Agriculture, Deputy Michael Creed were “acutely aware” of the trials facing the mushroom sector and said he was working closely with the industry to address the difficulties in the months ahead.

“We are monitoring the situation regarding sterling volatility closely and have set up a dedicated unit to consider the impact of Brexit within the Department. In addition, Bord Bia is working closely with the sector on market intelligence, UK consumer research and quality assurance. They recently held a currency and negotiation workshop specifically targeted at the sector, which I understand was very well received by the mushroom industry. In the coming weeks, the Minister, Deputy Creed, and the CEO of Bord Bia will be meeting executives from all the UK multiple retailers to further highlight the difficulties producers are facing. The Minister has also a …