Rallying Call For Horticulture
Monday, 25 January 2010 12:58 Local man, P.J Jones, who recently resigned his position as National Fresh Produce Co-ordinator for the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), has called for a meeting of local horticultural growers next week. His reason for resigning was that he felt horticulture was not getting its fair share of representation within the IFA. Jones’s contract with IFA had been reduced to 15 hours per week from an original full time contract. He was told by the IFA, that horticulture was not funding itself properly, a claim he vehemently denies. Statements to this effect were not forthcoming from the IFA. In an exclusive interview with the County Leader, a clearly angry and disappointed Jones revealed that he is the fifth generation, and sadly the last, to be involved in the growing business. He has three sons, none of whom will have a future in horticulture. “The closure of Teagasc, the local horticultural research and development centre in Kinsealy, is indicative of the attitude to horticulture. Such decisions will have a detrimental impact on fresh produce growing in the North County and many growers are highly concerned for the future of the industry. Investment in research and development facilities is crucial for the survival of any industry”, he said. “Once again, horticulture is seen as a vulnerable entity, as the produce is perishable and is not exported. As such, it does not generate the same level of income as agriculture. It is seen as the poor relation to farming on an on-going basis. PJ has the height of respect for the IFA, but in the last year or so, it has become unworkable, due to lack of representation. This leads the sector to be an easy target for multi-nationals. A passionate man about horticulture, PJ is calling for common sense to prevail, whereby a decent living can be achieved by those in the industry. A meeting of local growers will be held on Monday, February 1st at 8pm in St. Maur’s GAA Complex in Rush, with an invitation to Junior Minister, Trevor Sargent and local TD’s to attend. |
