Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 4

Written Answers. - Horticulture Sector.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

49 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food in regard to the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government the specific action it is intended to take to enhance the contribution of horticulture to Irish agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13984/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The horticulture sector is assisted in various ways. There is a scheme of investment aid in commercial horticulture under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, for which up to €19 million has been allocated. This scheme assists producers in the purchase of new specialised equipment and facilities. There has been a good take-up in the first round which will end shortly. I expect that a second round will be open in the autumn.

There is also a scheme of investment aid for the potato sector under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, which has funding of €5.5 million approximately in that period. Approvals in the first round amounted to €1.2 million. A further round will be opened next year.

A further scheme under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, is designed to aid the marketing and processing of agricultural products. Horticultural producers have obtained grant approval of some €2.5 million under this scheme in the first round. The scheme will be opened again next year when further aid will be available.

In addition, producers are encouraged to form producer groups, which have the aims of producing quality product in an efficient manner. It is expected that up to €3.5 million will be paid in aid to these groups this year.

Support under these schemes includes assistance towards environmentally friendly production and improved standards for crops marketed. The regulations on the common organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables set out minimum marketing standards which must be complied with when product is displayed for sale. My Department carries out controls to ensure that these standards are met.

My Department also provides funding to Teagasc and An Bord Glas to supply advice and assistance to horticultural producers. The effectiveness of these measures and the development of the sector will be kept under continuous review.