On the eve of assuming office, incoming EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan took a tour of Irish multinational Total Produce.

Earlier today, Hogan was brought on a tour of Total Produce grower, Jim O’Rourke’s Glasshouses in Swords, Co Dublin, before moving on to the nearby Total Produce Central Distribution Centre in Swords where he was accompanied by Total Produce Chief Executive, Rory Byrne.

The Commissioner elect, who takes up his post tomorrow, took the opportunity to discuss the wider European fresh produce industry, the broader economic and environmental factors currently driving the sector and the implications for stakeholders across the supply chain.

He said: “The impressive growth of Total Produce’s business illustrates the potential of our indigenous agri-food industry and the opportunities inherent across the broader European agricultural sector and the horticultural sector in particular."

With an annual turnover in excess of €3 billion, Total Produce is one of Europe’s market leader and one of the world’s largest and fresh produce providers.

Speaking after the tour, Byrne said: “Mr. Hogan assumes his portfolio at a time of both opportunities and challenges across the European fresh produce sector. We wish him well in his role over the next five years."