Research from Teagasc has said more horticultural food producers may cease trading, as a whole range of input costs erode producer margins.
Teagasc warned that a market response was required to ensure the viability of producers that are responsible for putting fresh fruit and vegetables on supermarket shelves.
The research stated that in overall terms, retail prices for fruit and vegetables are now lower than they were in 2003, despite a recent uplift in prices for some produce.
It compared costs in March 2022 with March 2023 and found there were significant increases in the costs of labour, packaging, fertiliser and growing media.
The report stated that in recent years a significant number of primary producers in the vegetable and other sectors have ceased trading and early indications for the 2023 season showed this continuing.
Certainly there is grounds for pessimism emanating from that report, Stalker would think.
