So much for cutting emissions and food waste

Brussels sprouts, carrots and parsnips are on sale for just 49c, The Dealer notes with sorrow.

The Dealer

22 December 2020

So much for cutting emissions and food waste

I took my annual trip to town this week to help out with the “big shop” for Christmas and couldn’t help feel sorry for the poor vegetable growers.

The 49c deals are available from the big supermarkets on brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips and tropical fruit flown halfway across the world.

There’s not much of a margin for the farmer there, and not much of an incentive to stop food waste or reduce climate emissions. A colourful plate of vegetables for the family’s Christmas dinner for just €1.50. Bags of 7.5kg of Rooster potatoes were also on sale for just €6.

RELATED STORIES

Peter McCann

Supermarkets are not profiteering, MLAs told

Analysis by the Competitions and Markets Authority has found supermarkets have not used food price inflation to grow their profits.

Vegetable growers willing to 'throw in the towel'

Noel Bardon

Vegetable growers willing to 'throw in the towel'

An IFA horticulture meeting heard that retailer resistance to increasing prices and rising costs are pushing growers out of the sector.

Niamh Murphy

Research reveals one-third of Irish families grow fruit and veg at home

New Irish research reveals one-third of Irish families are now growing fruit and veg at home, with over 80% of Irish children consuming fruit and veg every day.

Niamh Murphy

Grazing, slurry, planting and fodder all a struggle for farmers

It has been a tough autumn, winter and spring for all sectors in the industry. The Irish Farmers Journal spoke to farmers about the toll the last number of months have had on their farms.