Imports of fresh vegetables into Ireland for the year 2011 and the period January-July 2012 are presented in Table 1. All values relate to fresh and chilled vegetables only.
It should be borne in mind that Ireland’s climate is marginal in terms of commercial production for some vegetables such as onions whilst others can not be grown here at economical prices during certain times of the year e.g. protected crops such as tomatoes in the winter months.
Table 1: Imports of fresh vegetables into Ireland
Year
|
2011
|
2012 Jan.-July
|
Product
|
Tonnes
|
Tonnes
|
Carrots
|
23,887
|
15,122
|
Potatoes
|
61,920
|
34,946
|
Onions
|
39,127
|
20,389
|
Mushrooms
|
30,340
|
20,399
|
Tomatoes
|
26,338
|
15,742
|
Cabbage
|
23,876
|
14,586
|
Total Other Fresh Vegetables
|
54,921
|
32,921
|
Total Fresh Vegetable Imports
|
260,409
|
154,105
|
Source: CSO.