The closure of a potato packer owned by 2,000 farmer shareholders in Antrim, Northern Ireland, was announced this week.
Fane Valley Co-operative Society Ltd said it was no longer feasible to retain its Dervock plant as a potato packing centre and it will close in early April.
The move was reported in the Belfast Telegraph.
The plant grades, washes and pre-packs 5,000 tonnes of potatoes every year, sourced from around 50 growers mainly in the north Antrim area.
Fane Valley chief executive Trevor Lockhart said: “We have carried out a thorough review of our potato business and unfortunately our analysis confirms that it is no longer feasible to retain Dervock as a potato packing centre.
“We are indebted to all the staff for their many years of hard work and commitment. This is a sad day for Fane Valley as it marks the end of an era for the society.
“However, nothing stays still and it is imperative that we now concentrate on our other business interests. As a company, we must evolve to meet the ever-growing demands of the consumer food marketplace.”
The decision marks Fane Valley’s exit from the potato sector and will result in the loss of 16 jobs.
Lockhart said: “We hope that by making today’s announcement well in advance of the new planting season, our growers will have the opportunity to make alternative arrangements for the year ahead and beyond.”
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