The Irish fruit industry continued to evolve over the past decade. Effective management structures have been put in place to continually implement sustainability initiatives in the provision of wholesome fruit while protecting our natural resources.
Continuing research and awareness of global perspectives ensures that quality and supply continues, in line with consumer demands. Bord Bia has played a leading role in maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of the industry.
Most producers receive the Bord Bia Quality Assurance badge of honour annually and they are proud to be verified members of the Bord Bia Origin Green National Sustainability development programme. This award recognises companies that show leadership in sustainable production by achieving measurable targets which protect the environment.
Embracing change
These drivers and ambitions have led to many key milestones over the past decade:
1 The soft fruit industry has grown significantly, with hand-picked fresh produce now considered a superior product. The Irish consumer buys seasonal Irish produce for freshness and enjoyment. Retailers recognise this and respond accordingly by promoting local production. This consumer preference is partly driven by the current global momentum for a healthy lifestyle and environmental sustainability. A lifestyle focus brings fresh fruit front and centre in terms of dietary choices. Berries continue to grow steadily in their value share, with the desire for delicious strawberries driving this growth in demand.
2 The advent of central distribution 10 years ago facilitated the growth of strawberry production, and soft fruit in general, in various areas throughout the country. The main supermarkets now implement strict supply chain disciplines into their depots, which promotes greater efficiency and lowers transport costs.
3 As with general farming enterprises, many fruit producers have opted out over the past decade. Those who remain continue to invest and expand in line with current trends to ensure the highestquality fresh produce for the consumer. The marketplace continues to be very competitive, however, due to global supply chains. International producers are now the main competitors to local Irish growers. Economies of scale and lower production costs give those suppliers a distinct advantage.
4The provision of fresh wholesome fruit requires stringent management on its journey from plant to plate. Irish growers seek best advice and use best husbandry practices in plant management and growing methods. The outcome is a professional cohort of specialist growers who are passionate about their business enterprises.
5As guardians of the provenance of the fruit they
produce, growers maintain
detailed records and take pride in a stringent traceability process.
Mechanisation & technology
Mechanisation and technology across all aspects of production is the most recent driver in the fruit sector.
Computer-controlled irrigation and fertigation systems ensure each plant receives an optimum amount of water and nutrients with zero waste. Upgrading to a “table-top” growing system in “cosy tunnels” improves working conditions and lessens the environmental impact. These scientifically designed tunnels enable growers to regulate plant temperature and extend availability of the natural season from the end of April to November.Continual evaluation of new plant varieties helps ensure the best quality and supply of fresh fruit. Nowadays, a one-crop system is widely used, which increases productivity and efficiency.Integrated pest management programmes, with natural pollination and biological pest controls, are widely practised.A new Natutec Drive machine has arrived in Ireland. It is the first of its kind in the world to be operated commercially on a fruit farm. The machine disperses mites and insects which are the natural solution to pest control. Those beneficial predators control pests that attack the crops, in particular the foliage, and can damage the tender blossoms to reduce fruit set.The installation of solar panels, plus heat recovery systems from cold rooms, provides improved energy-use efficiency.Waste materials are recycled carefully and effectively. An additional benefit accrued from all these changes is that our local wildlife provides a “daily delight”, as our trees and hedgerows have become home to a variety of birds, bees, butterflies and many other species.
“Growing the most wholesome and flavoursome Irish Fresh Fruit sustainably is what the industry is all about.”
The Irish fruit industry continued to evolve over the past decade. Effective management structures have been put in place to continually implement sustainability initiatives in the provision of wholesome fruit while protecting our natural resources.
Continuing research and awareness of global perspectives ensures that quality and supply continues, in line with consumer demands. Bord Bia has played a leading role in maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of the industry.
Most producers receive the Bord Bia Quality Assurance badge of honour annually and they are proud to be verified members of the Bord Bia Origin Green National Sustainability development programme. This award recognises companies that show leadership in sustainable production by achieving measurable targets which protect the environment.
Embracing change
These drivers and ambitions have led to many key milestones over the past decade:
1 The soft fruit industry has grown significantly, with hand-picked fresh produce now considered a superior product. The Irish consumer buys seasonal Irish produce for freshness and enjoyment. Retailers recognise this and respond accordingly by promoting local production. This consumer preference is partly driven by the current global momentum for a healthy lifestyle and environmental sustainability. A lifestyle focus brings fresh fruit front and centre in terms of dietary choices. Berries continue to grow steadily in their value share, with the desire for delicious strawberries driving this growth in demand.
2 The advent of central distribution 10 years ago facilitated the growth of strawberry production, and soft fruit in general, in various areas throughout the country. The main supermarkets now implement strict supply chain disciplines into their depots, which promotes greater efficiency and lowers transport costs.
3 As with general farming enterprises, many fruit producers have opted out over the past decade. Those who remain continue to invest and expand in line with current trends to ensure the highestquality fresh produce for the consumer. The marketplace continues to be very competitive, however, due to global supply chains. International producers are now the main competitors to local Irish growers. Economies of scale and lower production costs give those suppliers a distinct advantage.
4The provision of fresh wholesome fruit requires stringent management on its journey from plant to plate. Irish growers seek best advice and use best husbandry practices in plant management and growing methods. The outcome is a professional cohort of specialist growers who are passionate about their business enterprises.
5As guardians of the provenance of the fruit they
produce, growers maintain
detailed records and take pride in a stringent traceability process.
Mechanisation & technology
Mechanisation and technology across all aspects of production is the most recent driver in the fruit sector.
Computer-controlled irrigation and fertigation systems ensure each plant receives an optimum amount of water and nutrients with zero waste. Upgrading to a “table-top” growing system in “cosy tunnels” improves working conditions and lessens the environmental impact. These scientifically designed tunnels enable growers to regulate plant temperature and extend availability of the natural season from the end of April to November.Continual evaluation of new plant varieties helps ensure the best quality and supply of fresh fruit. Nowadays, a one-crop system is widely used, which increases productivity and efficiency.Integrated pest management programmes, with natural pollination and biological pest controls, are widely practised.A new Natutec Drive machine has arrived in Ireland. It is the first of its kind in the world to be operated commercially on a fruit farm. The machine disperses mites and insects which are the natural solution to pest control. Those beneficial predators control pests that attack the crops, in particular the foliage, and can damage the tender blossoms to reduce fruit set.The installation of solar panels, plus heat recovery systems from cold rooms, provides improved energy-use efficiency.Waste materials are recycled carefully and effectively. An additional benefit accrued from all these changes is that our local wildlife provides a “daily delight”, as our trees and hedgerows have become home to a variety of birds, bees, butterflies and many other species.
“Growing the most wholesome and flavoursome Irish Fresh Fruit sustainably is what the industry is all about.”
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