A conference in Dublin heard today that potato growers are getting less than one-fifth of the price a consumer pays for their product in the shop.

Speaking at the National Potato Conference, the Galway-based IFA President Joe Healy outlined how retailers are taking the lion’s share of the margin on potatoes, while farmers bear all of the risk.

The conference organised by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) in association with Bord Bia and Teagasc, heard that pre-pack potatoes are retailing at up to €1,400 per tonne while growers receive less than one-fifth of that. 

The IFA President claims many potato growers are having to sell their crop for less than it costs to produce.

Joe Healy said stronger retail regulation and an independent retail ombudsman are needed to ensure farmers get a fairer share of the retail price, and to support a sustainable food supply chain.

The conference heard today that potato sales are now at their highest level in the past ten years  -and potatoes are bought once every second in Irish retailers.

 208,000 tonnes of potatoes were sold in Ireland last year.