Vegetable growers in Ireland have raised concerns following Storm Éowyn, which reportedly decimated up to 80% of early harvest crops in some cases. The Irish Farmers Association, Organic Growers of Ireland, and Teagasc are assessing the damage, estimating losses from polytunnel and glasshouse destruction, along with early crop losses, to be around €4.5 million.
The extent of the damage has led some growers to caution that they may not be able to sustain operations without governmental assistance. There is apprehension about potential price increases for certain vegetables in Irish supermarkets due to the storm's impact, especially with substantial damage reported to polytunnel-based crops in Munster, Connacht, and parts of Ulster. Outdoor crops like leeks and cauliflowers were also affected.
Paudie Hanafin, a grower near Tralee, expressed disbelief at the damage, noting that "around 80% of his winter cauliflower crops were destroyed by Storm Éowyn." He emphasized the financial strain, stating, "If I grow crops, I get a bill for seed, I get a bill for propagating costs and it is a huge commitment." Hanafin added, "If I don't get a bit of help on this one I don't think I will go ahead with it."
He highlighted rising costs: "Now they are saying that fertilizer could go up. My seed (prices) have gone up, my labor costs have gone up, and my packaging costs have gone up. Propagation costs have gone up - then prices are bad." Hanafin concluded, "The Storm Éowyn hits and you say: 'What is this all about?' We urgently need help on this one."
Other growers have echoed these concerns, indicating a crisis in the Irish horticulture sector. Farm groups convened with the Department of Agriculture on February 11 to address the storm's impact and explore potential support options. Ireland is also awaiting an EU evaluation on storm aid support.
Storm Éowyn is recorded as the most destructive winter storm in modern Irish history, with wind speeds reaching 183 km/h at Mace Head in Galway. The storm left over 760,000 people without power, and despite extensive repair efforts, it took three weeks to restore services nationwide. Insurance officials estimate that the total damage costs could exceed €250 million.
Source: Irish Independent