An industry expert recently set out his views on the subject of unit size to Stalker. He basically stated that the grower in Ireland today must realistically be growing on units of at least seven houses if he/she is going to compete effectively in the market conditions that prevail at present. Phase 3 was also mentioned as the compost of choice. He said Dutch shelving is fine only if there is the availability of Bulk Phase 3. Comparing the Dutch methods and the Irish methods he reckoned that growers here need to increase production but also maintain quality –and that the quality of the produce here will have to remain very high if growers are to succeed. Looking at the Northern grower, he pointed to the three main obstacles that they face in comparison to the ROI grower – the currency differential, the availability of cheap labour and the grant assistance available to ROI growers. Well that's one experts opinion on things as they stand at the moment – as ever nothing remains static. Growers will no doubt make up their own minds on how best to proceed with the information available.
