Vol. 548 No. 2
169 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the circumstances under which Leader grants can be made available in respect of organic farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4329/02]
My Department operates a scheme of grant aid for the development of the organic sector. Under this scheme, grant assistance is provided in respect of investment in equipment and facilities for the production, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic products. Grant aid is available at a rate of 40% for on-farm investment projects up to a maximum of €50,790. For off-farm investment projects, grant aid is available at a rate of 40% up to a maximum of €253,948.
The Leader programmes are operated throughout the country through 35 local action groups. The brief of the groups is to provide support for innovative projects in rural areas considered to have the capability to provide sustainable income-earning opportunities and employment for farmers and other rural dwellers.
While Leader is not in a position to provide grant aid to mainstream production, the groups may be able to assist in a limited way with agri-food product proposals which are innovative and add value, including those involving the organic sector. Interested persons can contact the local Leader company office for advice.
