Vol. 487 No. 8
46 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will endeavour to have more horticultural projects included in Leader schemes in an effort to offset the huge quantity of imports and to provide alternative methods of farming. [5300/98]
The Leader programme is administered by approved local action groups who implement business plans which they themselves have drawn up for the development of their areas. The allocation of funding to eligible horticultural projects is a matter for the groups. Up to now small scale innovative horticultural investments which are not fundable under other programmes or schemes may be grant aided under Leader. As the funding for horticulture under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, 1994-99 has been fully committed, my Department will be reviewing the eligibility rules under Leader with the European Commission. The 1994-1999 Bord Glas Development Plan sets output targets for the production of horticultural produce based on the opportunities for growth in the industry. The aim of the plan is to increase domestic output by £56 million to increase market share for domestic produce and to reduce the overall level of imports where practical.
