North Antrim MP asks DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to detail 'what practical steps' department taking to 'support those affected' after Glens of Antrim potatoes goes into administration

In the letter dated ‘23 September 2026’ Mr Allister writes ‘while the loss of 95 jobs is deeply concerning, there is also widespread anxiety among the many growers who supplied the business and who now face significant uncertainty regarding payments, contracts and future markets for their produce’.

He added that ‘many growers will already have incurred substantial production costs and made commitments in good faith on the basis of long-standing supply arrangements’.

‘At this stage of the season, there is a real risk that some could be left carrying significant losses through no fault of their own,’ he added.

But Mr Allister said that ‘given the seriousness of the situation, I would be grateful if you would outline what assessment DAERA has made of the impact on growers and others within the supply chain’.

‘In particular, I wish to know what practical steps the Department is taking to support those affected, what engagement has taken place with the administrators and industry representatives and what action is being taken to help growers secure alternative outlets for their produce,’ he added.

‘Growers who have invested heavily in this year's crop should not be left in the lurch as a consequence of this collapse.

‘I therefore seek an urgent response setting out what action DAERA proposes to take, what support will be made available to affected growers and what steps are being taken to minimise the financial damage now facing the sector,’ he added.