"Government tokenism" is said to be pushing local mushroom producers into crisis.
That's according to Sinn Fein's Agriculture spokesperson Matt Carthy, who was speaking after the impact of peat shortages was discussed in the Oireachtas yesterday.
Peat moss is widely used in the sector, including by mushroom growers.
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While the harvesting of peat isn't banned in Ireland, harvesters are required to meet new criteria which were introduced last year.
The decision was made to protect the country's bogs and increase biodiversity, but has forced producers to import peat from abroad.
Matt Carthy says until a sustainable alternative is identified, the government needs to act to protect the industry.
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