THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE IRISH TOMATO INDUSTRY

Development of commercial tomato growing in the Irish Republic commenced in the early 1930's. By 1935 the industry was considered to be of sufficient significance and potential to warrant tariff protection and in that year a duty was imposed during the summer months. Expansion accelerated in the 1940's as a result of war-time and post-war scarcity. By 1948 the Dutch had recovered from the effects of war and increased supplies appeared on the Irish market. The 2 d per lb duty was insufficient to enable the home industry to compete and a quantitative restriction was imposed.

In 1956 the area of glass consisted almost entirely of cold houses mostly sized a quarter of an acre or less. To encourage home production, the duty on all foreign (except UK) supplies was trebled. Periods of import restriction were extended.

Ten years ago the Kinsealy (County Dublin) Research Station was established. Work has been conducted on problems including heating, irrigation, varieties, peat, diseases and CO₂. Postgraduate, graduate and technician courses have been extended in order to improve the standards of advice and production efficiency. Since 1967 substantial capital grants have been available to glasshouse growers.

The above efforts to develop the size and production efficiency of the industry have not been matched by similar efforts in marketing.