12 September 2008
MINISTER SARGENT OPENS NEW FACILITIES AT DUBLIN MEATH GROWERS’ LTD. KILSHANE CROSS, CO. DUBLIN
Minister for Food & Horticulture and local T.D., Trevor Sargent opened new premises at Dublin Meath Growers, Ltd. on Friday 12th September.
DMG, as it is more commonly called, was established in 1986 as a cooperative of growers with the objective of improving returns on produce sold. It has grown since then to become an important supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables, supplying to a number of major supermarkets.
Minister Sargent commented, ‘It gives me great pleasure to be asked to officially open these splendid new premises here in Fingal. The extension to the packhouse, the new offices and the new staff facilities have all been added in recent years with the aid of funds under the National Development Plan.’
He continued, ‘ These new premises will enable growers meet the most modern hygienic standards in packing and traceability, as well as the demanding specifications of the supermarkets with regard to quality assurance, presentation and labelling. It is also evidence of the success of DMG and of the commitment and hard work of the growers who supply it.’
He concluded, ‘However, the world has changed and competitors are now as likely to come from Israel, Peru or Mexico due to an absence of excise on aviation or shipping fuel. We run the risk of local farmers not being able to supply locally if this situation continues. I firmly believe that the grower needs a larger percentage of the retail price to survive and to ensure that Ireland can regain food security.’
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