SuperValu will pay a price top-up per unit or per kg on Irish-grown broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, kale, parsnips, leeks, carrots, scallions and swedes, a spokesperson for the Musgrave-owned retailer told the Irish Farmers Journal. The company declined to give details of the amount paid to farmers because of competitive reasons.

“We are very mindful of the recent heatwave and the enormous impact that it has had on the Irish farming community and potential threat to supply of Irish vegetables for consumers," said SuperValu managing director Martin Kelleher, describing the move as a way of ensuring the availability of quality produce.

Minimum 20% yield loss

Kelleher said SuperValu introduced the support scheme after discussions with the IFA. Its president Joe Healy said the association had contacted retailers to highlight that without their intervention, field vegetable growers would be at breaking point. "We acknowledge the lead taken by SuperValu," Healy said.

According to the IFA, vegetable yields have dropped by a minimum of 20% with some crops failing entirely. "Without substantial support from retailers, 2018 will push many of our growers over the edge," Healy said.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed welcomed SuperValu's initiative and encouraged other retailers to follow this example. He added that Bord Bia would connect growers together through a business mentoring programme targeting those affected by the drought.

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