The Irish government is launching a review of peat extraction for the horticultural industry.
A public consultation process is set to begin which could see the phasing out of peat use by gardeners and the horticultural industry over the next 20 years, according to media reports. Over 1 million tons of peat a year is extracted from Irish bogs for use in industry and other areas.
Exports of peat,which totalled 821,000 tons in 2018, could also be reduced or eliminated. The consultation document also suggests that workers involved in the harvesting of peat for horticulture could be compensated for any loss of earnings that derive from the ending of the activity.
It is certain that changes will happen over the next decade or two, with environmental concerns burgeoning.
Stalker is sure that, if push comes to shove, the Irish mushroom industry will rise to the challenge of finding more environmentally sustainable alternatives for use in the industry in the future.
