Jim Higgins
Question:84 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the specific schemes operated at present for the promotion of fruit and vegetables; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Promotion and Development of Horticulture.
An Bord Glas is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion and development of horticulture. The board has undertaken a number of promotions for fruit and vegetables since its establishment in 1990.
My Department operates the following schemes under which investments in horticulture are grant aided subject to certain conditions: farm improvement programme; FEOGA processing and marketing scheme and greenhouse grants scheme; which will terminate on 31 July 1994.
Grant-aid is available under the EU producer group scheme to assist growers in establishing producer groups. Funding will also be provided for horticultural projects from the Structural Funds 1994-1999 but details of the scheme have not yet been drawn up.