Irish Potato Marketing Limited
IPM’s main role is exporting seed potatoes; its administrative costs are for the company to manage, while the Minister considers its future role. The Minister praised its work but said it could not take over all potato marketing, and noted concerns about its reliance on one seed variety and marketing channel.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the functions of Irish Potato Marketing Limited; the annual administrative costs; and if he has any plans to restructure the company.
Comment on this
The main function of Irish Potato Marketing Limited is the export marketing of seed potatoes but it is open to others to engage in that business. IPM are not a State body and their administration costs are primilary a matter for the company themselves. I am at present considering how best to ensure the development of the potato sector and this consideration includes the future role of IPM.
Comment on this
Does the Minister agree that this organisation have given valuable service to the country in the exportation of seed potatoes? Therefore, would it not be advisable to give that organisation responsibility for the marketing of production at home, seeing that we are operating under a granding and quality system in the ware export market?
Comment on this
This was argued quite recently and it was found not to be possible to give that organisation the entire marketing operation. They were challenged and I understand they lost. I agree that they have done a good job. We have had a deputation from Donegal who pointed out some of the weaknesses, such as over-reliance on one variety of seed and one type of marketing. We have agreed to further meetings. We appreciate their problems.