Unions link to keep brown rot out
9 January 2001
Unions link to keep brown rot out
By FWi staff
FARMERS on both sides of the border in Ireland have joined forces to ensure the island keeps its disease-free status for potatoes.
In particular, the Ulster Farmers Union and the Irish Farmers Association want to ensure that the potato disease “brown rot” is kept out of Ireland.
The unions want to see all imported loads of potatoes inspected by government officials for brown rot.
A joint delegation will meet Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers this week and Irish minister Noel Davern in the coming weeks.
They say this will help ensure that the island of Ireland remains free from the disease, which has been prevalent on the Continent and in recent years.
It has also been reported in Great Britain. The disease is particularly easily spread through watercourses.