Teagasc, The Agriculture and Food Development Authority of the Republic of Ireland, has urged potato growers to contact seed producers now to organise fresh seed for the 2023 season, as the Brexit impasse shows no sign of easing.
As Stephen Codogan reports for Irish Examiner, “This will give the seed producer confidence to grow the required seed amounts, for a market that they are sure exists. Otherwise, they are taking a huge risk, to grow for a market that may or may not be there,” said advisers in April’s Teagasc advice bulletin to growers.
The May bank holiday weekend was the target for most to get potato crops planted, and advisers said the supply of seed for many varieties is tight this year, with many growers opting to use a mixture of certified seed and home-saved seed, to cover the requirements for the 2022 season.
This avenue for seed doesn’t look like it will be available in the near future,” advisers warned.
