Marking Bord Bia's National Potato Day, IFA president Tim Cullinan has called on consumers, retailers and the foodservice sector to support Irish potato growers.

Bord Bia will be sharing recipes, videos and ideas on its social media streams on Friday, encouraging the public to share their favourite techniques using the #NationalPotatoDay hashtag.

The IFA has highlighted that the Irish potato industry is worth €80m at farm gate, with 400 growers planting over 8,000ha annually.

Cullinan said: "The foodservice sector in particular must check the origin of the potatoes it uses. Importation of potatoes undermines the Irish market - by choosing Irish you are supporting vital jobs in the rural economy."

Sustain production

The acreage planted this year is similar to 2019, which was a historically low level year. With yields expected to be just average, the market is forecast to be balanced in terms of supply and demand.

IFA potato chair Thomas McKeown emphasised that this year has been challenging for growers, particularly those supplying the volatile foodservice sector.

McKeown said: "If the current situation has taught us anything, it is the importance of supporting local producers. Growers have absorbed all of the extra costs associated with additional measures required on farms.

“Producers must be encouraged to continue growing high-quality crops at a fair price that sustains production."

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With potato yields expected to be average this year, the market is forecast to be balanced in terms of supply and demand.