Minister visits Wilson’s Country

The business, with growers throughout the island, is the largest supplier of potatoes to Ireland’s combined retail and food service sectors.

“Our retail division has been very steady throughout the Covid-19 lockdown,” explained Wilson’s Country Chairman Angus Wilson.

“However, our food service business has been impacted by the significant downturn that has affected the catering sector over recent weeks.”

The Minister was provided with a comprehensive overview of the Wilson’s Country operation. He was also informed of the company’s plans for the future.

Angus Wilson again:“As we look to a life beyond Brexit, it’s important that free trade on the island of Ireland is guaranteed and that checks on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland are absolutely minimised.

“The introduction of tariffs or new phyto-sanitary regulations could prevent or damage future trade opportunities between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”

He added:“It is also crucially important that companies within Northern Ireland’s food sector have continuing access to the level of investment support from London that was the case when they were under the aegis of the Common Agricultural Policy.

“Only in this way will we be able to deliver a sustainable future that will benefit processors and primary producers in equal measure.”

The Minister’s visit coincided with the start of the 2020 Comber Earlies’ harvest. Wilson’s Country’s managing director Lewis Cunningham said: “Comber Earlies are in the shops now. The drought conditions that prevailed throughout April and May proved challenging for both crops and growers. However, the recent rains should help to boost yields.”

He continued: “Comber potatoes are a unique eating experience. They reflect all that is good about our farming and food sectors here in Northern Ireland. The eating quality of the potatoes is always excellent.

“The start of the Comber season is a true high point of our summer. Consumers will not be disappointed with the quality of the new season potatoes that are available now.”

For further information, contact Wilson’s Country on (028) 3839 1029.