Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 4

Written Answers. - Horticulture Industry.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

42 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the measures the Government has introduced since 1997 to support the development of the horticulture industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4267/02]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Since 1997 three additional measures have been introduced to support the development of the horticultural industry – the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector, the capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of certain agricultural products and the provision of financial assistance for producer organisations under the EU regulations on fruit and vegetables.

The scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector is operated under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and provides for aid of more than €19 million over the period of the scheme. A total of 312 applications were received in the first round of the scheme which closed on 4 May 2001, of these 263 have been approved to date with completion dates up to the end of June 2002. It is proposed to announce a second round in late autumn.

The capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of certain agricultural products assists capital projects in a number of sectors including horticulture. This scheme is funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and forms part of the productive sector operational programme. Aid is provided to assist in the development of the horticulture sector by grant aiding capital investment in buildings and/or new specialised plant and equipment in commercial enterprises involved in the marketing and processing of horticulture products. Under the first round of applications 17 eligible applications were received from the sector and the first tranche of awards will be announced shortly.

The EU regulations on the common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables provides for financial assistance in respect of operational programmes carried out by producer organisations recognised under the scheme. Since 1997, 14 Irish producer organisations carrying out operational programmes have been recognised. Financial assistance under the scheme for the current year is estimated at €3.5 million.