Irish Farmers’ Association wants new regulations to stop supermarket chains from selling potatoes below the cost of production.
Dunnes Stores has been selling locally produced potatoes at a bargain rate to consumers.
John Sheridan said while producers were all for giving the Irish consumer value for money, they must be allowed to recover costs if they are to survive.
The prices offered by Dunnes were undermining the overall market and placing growers’ livelihoods in jeopardy.
Sheridan said it was highly irresponsible of the company to sell potatoes at a price equivalent to the current farm-gate price.
He said it shows that potatoes and all vegetables should be included in the Groceries Order which bans below-cost selling of most groceries.