Northern Ireland Growers Ready To Quit?

Potato growers in Northern Ireland are questioning whether they should continue production for another season.

Walter Murphy, chairman of the Ulster Farmers' Union Potato Committee, told a UFU executive meeting that for many growers the gamble of growing potatoes for another season when costs of production are increasing and markets are disappointing is making it "cruch time."

The UFU, along with the industry and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has initiated a review of the potato sector, Murphy said."We expect to discuss a draft report...in the near future."

"Growers need to know if future production is feasible," he said. "The existing steering group for the review will remain operational in the early stages to oversee the effective implementation of the report."