The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is now open and accepting applications.
The scheme is intended to assist in the development of the horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant-aiding capital investments in specialized plants and equipment, including renewable energy, as well as technology specific to commercial horticulture production.
This scheme aids existing producers and new entrants to horticulture at a rate of up to 40% on all approved investments, with qualifying young farmers and licensed organic growers receiving up to 50% grant aid.
The scheme also aims to improve growers' competitiveness and contribute to the improvement of agricultural incomes and thereby the long-term viability of horticultural enterprises.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector covers all horticultural areas including field vegetables (including seed potatoes), mushrooms, protected food crops, amenity crops, soft fruit, apples, and beekeeping.
The closing date for applications under the scheme is Friday, December 13.
Commenting on the scheme, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue said: "Horticulture is the fourth largest agriculture sector in Ireland and the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027, which was launched last year, sets out a roadmap on how we can steer the sector to a more profitable value-added future, driven by sustainability and innovation.
"One of the strategy's ambitions was to sustainably grow the potato sector and to achieve this, growers need access to high-grade seed potatoes," the minister added.
Source: Agriland