Jobs Lost As Spud Packing Ends

A farmer's co-operative that supplies fresh-off-the-farm 'spuds' is to close, with the loss of 16 jobs.

Fane Valley Co-operative Society Ltd, a potato packing business in north Antrim - which is owned by 2,000 farmer shareholders - said it was no longer feasible to retain its Dervock packing plant. It will close in early April.

The plant currently 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 market place."

The decision means the loss of 16 jobs, 14 of which are full-time, and marks Fane Valley's exit from the potato sector.

Mr 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."

Meanwhile, there's better job news – this time in Co Down – as North South Coffee Company, based near Newry, has received Invest Northern Ireland assistance to help it to develop its business as a roaster and supplier of high quality coffee throughout Ireland.

Invest NI's Southern Regional Office (SRO) has provided support for marketing and other developments at the company, which is investing around £300,000 and aims to create 14 new jobs by the end of 2009.

The small company is producing high quality espresso made from Grade 1 Arabica beans sourced only from organic suppliers from the Utz Kapeh organisation that ensures a fair price for farmers.

This commitment to excellence has also led to a major award for the year-old North South Coffee – a gold medal in the Great Taste Awards organised by the Guild of Fine Foods in London.

Formed by two experienced roast masters, William McCoy and Tony Condon, who together have over 20 years' experience in roasting coffee beans, North South is based at Silverbridge Industrial Estate, near Newry.

(BMcC)