The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has called for "immediate" intervention within the horticulture sector as it risks "contraction", according to deputy president Alice Doyle.

Doyle explained the issues within the sector to Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae during his first visit to the Irish Farm Centre.

Doyle said that "immediate policy adjustments" must be made before "risks" of "threatening food security" and Ireland's ability to achieve its agriculture and economic goals.

"The long awaited sectoral work permit scheme must be fit for purpose and affordable to all employers. We cannot have a flawed scheme introduced at the expense of our Irish horticulture sector," Doyle said.

She added that the lack of availability of seed potato "jeopardises" the future of the potato sector.

"Approximately 60% of our requirement was imported from Scotland pre-Brexit. Various funding initiatives have helped the sector, but it will take a number of years to re-develop the Irish sector," Doyle said.

She said that the IFA continues to lobby through Copa for a temporary derogation for the importation of seed from the UK until the Irish sector is re-developed.

Doyle also spoke about the aftermath of damage to the horticulture sector following Storm Ėowyn, which caused a combination of collapsed growing structures and subsequent loss of plants.

"The storm came at a vulnerable time for growers as tunnels and glasses had been planted with young plants for the upcoming season," she said.

"The announcement of the targeted reopening of the 2025 horticulture scheme for growers who suffered severe losses goes some way in recognising the impact of the recent storm. But as we know investment requires money, and many will not be in the position to invest," Doyle said.

The deputy president also called on retailers and consolidators to "step up" to pay sustainable prices for Irish produce.

The IFA, through the Horticulture Industry Forum, is currently working to implement a retail charter for the sector to safeguard the supply of domestic Irish produce.