The initial estimated impact of damage caused by Storm Éowyn to the Irish horticulture sector currently stands at €4.46 million.

Despite being difficult to quantify exact losses, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) in conjunction with the Organic Growers of Ireland (OGI) collaborated with Teagasc to establish the preliminary costs.

Storm Éowyn hit the country at a crucial time in the planting season for many of the country's growers.

The record breaking winds destroyed polytunnels, crops and equipment on many horticultural enterprises.

Protected crops in glasshouses, nurseries operators, mushroom growers and organic growers have all been impacted by the storm.

IFA Horticulture Committee chair Mark Walsh said there was "positive engagement" with the new Minister of State with responsibility for Horticulture, Micheal Healy-Rae, at the Horticulture Industry Forum (HIF) meeting in Backweston yesterday (Tuesday, February 11).

The meeting had been brought forward to discuss the impact of Storm Éowyn that left many operators in the commercial horticulture sector facing huge structural repair bills and stock loss.

Walsh said that many Irish growers have suffered some level of damage and financial loss from this storm.

He said that the initial estimate of €4.46 million is direct structural and crop loss, and it does not include the consequential loss of business associated with structures being out of production.

The IFA Horticulture chair said "it was clear the minister was in listening mode and he wants to understand the challenges caused by Storm Eowyn".

"There was a commitment to review the IFA request for assistance to all storm affected growers," he said.

During the meeting, the IFA highlighted to Minister Healy-Rae the challenges that growers are facing such as input costs which are squeezing margins in an "already stressed sector".

The association also discussed the "dominant position" of major retailers in the food supply chain and the need for additional powers for the Agri-Food Regulator.

They called for effective engagement between government departments and growers on the availability of labour for the industry.

The delegation said that the sector requires assistance in the transition to operating without the use of native peat until a viable alternative is available.

The availability of seed potato for the potato sector and the requirement for a temporary derogation until the Irish seed sector is developed was also highlighted to the minister.