Irlanda: Ministry introduces new variety of Irish potato
The country’s importation of fries could be reduced by at least 30 per cent over the next three years, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ introduction of the ‘Challenger’ variety of Irish potato, deemed ideal for producing this popular
Noting that currently seven million kilogrammes of fries are imported annually at a cost of $700 million, Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier says the ministry will be “accelerating our work” on the production of the Challenger, which was identified in its evaluation as the most suitable for producing the value-added item.“It is important that we speed up this process of testing and planting. This will require an additional 1,100 acres [of land] to be put into production, and the engagement of a minimum of 400 new farmers,” he noted.The minister was speaking at last Thursday’s launch of the ministry’s National Potato Expansion Programme for 2015/16 at Argyle Farm, New Pen, St Mary.Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
Fuente: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/
