Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
962. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to increase the production of vegetables in the Irish horticulture sector for the Irish market and to reduce dependence on imports of vegetables from other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48803/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of significant supports to the sector which facilitate and support an increase in the production of vegetables.
Recently, I secured €10 million in Budget 2024 for the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector. This scheme is expected to open shortly for applications and will support investments across the horticulture sector, including vegetable production. The Scheme provides capital grant aid at a rate of up to 40% on all approved investments, with qualifying young farmers receiving up to 50% grant aid.
The EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables, administered by my Department, provides an invaluable support to the horticulture sector, including vegetable producers. The Scheme delivered €4.2 million in aid in 2022 and similar levels of aid will be payable for 2023 activities.
Recognising the challenges currently facing the horticulture sector, I secured €2.382 million in funding under the EU Agricultural Reserve. The Horticulture Crisis Fund is open for applications until 8 November 2023. It targets the horticulture sub-sectors most at risk due to losses incurred as a result of a combination of high input prices, low output prices and reduced yield. The field vegetable sector is one of the horticulture sub-sectors included in this scheme, which provides a once-off payment to eligible applicants.
Earlier this year, together with my colleague, Minister Pippa Hackett, I launched the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027. The stakeholder led Strategy sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a roadmap for the sector to achieve this potential. I am committed to seeing this sector grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department, together with stakeholders, are working collaboratively to progress all actions in this strategy.
