I farm: “Twenty acres of fruit in polytunnels and seven acres of early potatoes. We have 100 acres altogether, with the surplus land rented to local tillage farmers.”

Fruit: “Strawberries, blackberries and gooseberries are the main fruits we grow in our polytunnels. Fortunately, our vines are full, with fruit hanging from all directions ready to be picked.

Season: “We are currently at peak growth. With simple climate manipulations we can produce fresh fruit for over six months of the year.”

Market: “In the past, most of our produce was sold through supermarkets and various retail outlets. Today, over 75% goes straight to the consumer, directly from our farm. This has increased our profits greatly as we can charge the same price as the supermarket, but more importantly we can guarantee freshness. We pick the fruit in the morning and close the doors on empty fridges at night.”

Farm shop: “Our Tinnock farm and farm shop are blessed with a great location – you can see our polytunnels from the road. We are situated two miles north of Gorey and are easily accessed from the new bypass at the Gorey exit. This has helped us greatly in selling fresh fruit straight to the consumer.”

The business: “We employ over 40 people from the local community. Although the nature of fruit production in Ireland is seasonal, we have workers here nearly all year round.

Changing model: “In the past we grew close to 100 acres of fruit and vegetables. Since installing 20 acres of polytunnels, we can produce the same amount in one-fifth of the acreage.”

Strawberry tradition: “Wexford has always been the heart of strawberry growing in Ireland, with over 750 growers in the county 50 years ago. There are only around five of us left, with very few successors to keep on the tradition. The future will be interesting for the Wexford strawberry but for the minute we’ll keep going strong.”