Sustainable Tomato Production

David Currid, owner of Grantstown Nurseries is interviewed by Teagasc's Head of the Horticulture Development Department (HDD), Dermot Callaghan. David gives some interesting insights into how he produces a crop sustainably without compromising on the quality of his product.

Dermot Callaghan, Head of Teagasc Horticulture Development Department meets David Currid, owner of Grantstown Nurseries. David introduces modern tomato production methods using high tech glass houses with precise environmental control.

David gives some interesting insights into how he produces a crop sustainably without compromising on the quality of his product. Features such as:

• rain water harvesting
• environment enrichment
• use of photovoltaic cells and
• pest control using natural pest predators

contribute to the sustainable production of the tomatoes. David uses a closed system to supply nutrient and recycle any surplus. 

Plants have monthly foliar nutrient analysis carried to ensure optimal nutrition is being achieved. Grantstown Nursery has 10,000m2 of production which requires 47,000 plants. The production cycle in begins in January and ends in November. There are 15 people employed in production of the crop throughout the year.

Watch the discussion between David Currid and Dermot Callaghan in the video below

This video was produced in support of the International Year of Fruit and Veg 2021.

Find out more from the Teagasc Horticulture Development Department here