March 4, 2021 11:37 am The harvesting of peat for horticultural purposes “must resume immediately” due to there being no viable alternative at present, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). Otherwise, horticultural producers will have to either close or import peat from abroad, the organisation warned. Ahead of the first meeting of the Peat Consultation group taking place today (Thursday, March 4), IFA Horticulture Committee chairman Paul Brophy said the priority of the consultation group must be the resumption of the harvesting of horticultural peat immediately. The Irish horticulture sector is a significant contributor to the Irish economy, with a farm gate value of €437 million, the IFA says.