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Storm Éowyn threatens fruit and vegetable supply, IFA calls for government aid

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) reports potential shortages in fruits and vegetables due to Storm Éowyn's impact. The storm has affected tunnels and glasshouses, crucial for young plant cultivation this season.

IFA calls for governmental support to prevent empty shelves. Niall McCormack, IFA's Fruit and Vegetable Chairman, shares his farm's experience: "We're based in South County Longford and we lost three tunnels and one tunnel had structural damage done to it." He adds, "It's not only the tunnels and the polyhouses and the glass houses and the mushroom houses that are the problem - it's also the crop that's inside in the tunnels. Some of these crops will have to be dumped."

McCormack highlights the storm's poor timing, stating, "Farmers just want to get back into the business. They realize that everybody in the community has been affected but growers just want to get back into the business and do what they know the best. Growers are operating on quite tight margins, so there's not really much money left in the purse and for that reason, growers need some help."

As of last night, 142,000 customers remain without power, and 31,000 lack water. ESB and Uisce Éireann express gratitude for customer patience. The government announces urgent aid for food and essential supplies and support for structural damage from Friday's storm.

Source: newsTalk

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