Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1954 Wicklow, Meeting of the County Committee of Agriculture

Source: Wicklow People, 18.12.1954

Miss Elizabeth F. Bobbett reminded County Wicklow Committee of Agriculture last Tuesday, that County Wicklow was now growing large quantities of certified seed potatoes but people had mentioned to her that they could not purchase sealed bags of Wicklow certified seed. She wanted to know could anything be done to secure sales in this manner within the county?

The Chairman (Mr. John R. Hudson) said Wicklow grown certified seed potatoes can be sold in sealed bags if the Dublin merchants buy them, bring them to the city, have them examined by the Inspector and sealed and then brought back to be sold in this county at £5 or £6 a ton profit.

Miss Bobbett asked could they not counter act that system? Could they not arrange with the Department that Wicklow certified seed be examined and sealed in bags here as was done in other counties?

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Miss Elizabeth Bobbett said she was glad to hear that statement though Mr. Scott had been emphasizing the export side. On one occasion years ago she had bought seed potatoes in those circumstances and found them disgraceful, and she was told by the then CAO that if they were intended for export they would not have been in such a bad condition. The CAO said if that were reported they would not again certify seeds from that man’s premises.

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Both Mr. Jacob Bourne and Miss Bobbett said they should make representations to the Department concerning the matter, and the latter added that the home market should be satisfied before exporting such quantities from the country.