A Longford strawberry farmer says the selling of fruit and vegetables as a loss leader by some of the larger supermarkets is 'unsustainable'.
Niall McCormack from McCormack Fruits in Colehill Longford was commenting on remarks earlier this summer by President Michael D Higgins who criticised the practice, and called for better supports for food producers in this country.
Many fruit and vegetable farmers have left the sector in recent years because of the pricing methods and Ireland's food security has been significantly diminished as a result.
Niall McCormack says they've seen tightening margins in recent years, and the increased costs associated with production in the last months are putting extra pressure on Irish food producers.
He says they have a good relationship and support from SuperValu and other customers for their product.
The Longford farmer says the Green Party need to take the lead in ensuring better regulations regarding the cots associated with the production, and sale of food in Ireland.
I cannot for the life of me understand why the Green Party are shouting about everything else but they're not shouting about this.
It's unsustainable because it's using the earth's resources be it water, be it soil, be it labour.
It's sold for half nothing and people tend, including myself, buy lots of the product when they see it so low.
A lot of it ends up on rubbish tips, especially around Christmas.
It is totally unsustainable."
