Watch: Award-winning cucumber farmer's Budget hopes

Cucumber producer Shane Halpin has been reflecting on the "whirlwind" few weeks since he was crowned FBD Young Farmer of the Year.

The horticulturalist's success is particularly noteworthy, given that he is the first Dubliner to claim the title in the competition's 28-year history.

"It was a great achievement for myself and a great achievement for horticulture and for Dublin.

"I'm delighted with myself, just delighted to get the recognition," he said.

Hailing from Lusk in Co Dublin, an area which has long been synonymous with horticulture, the 32-year-old co-owns Welgro Produce, a seven-acre nursery that produces around three million cucumbers for the Irish market annually.

One of only two commercial cucumber producers in the country, the business employs 10 full-time staff, which rises to 35 during peak harvesting periods.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Shane shared the pride he feels when he sees his produce on supermarket shelves.

"One of my favourite things is to walk into a store and see our product there.

"And what makes it even better is when someone picks it up right in front of you and puts in the trolley. It's a good feeling."

In the second of our reports on small businesses ahead of Budget 2027, watch our video to hear Shane's thoughts on what must be done to secure the long-term viability of the horticulture sector.