Vol. 561 No. 3
90 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the scheme for investment aid for the development of horticulture arranged by his Department has now been docked due to the scarcity of funds; his plans for the introduction of alternative funding in this area; and the way in which he foresees the development of the Irish horticulture industry without Government support of this nature. [4117/03]
Grant aid of €1.4 million under the national development plan is being provided this year for the development of the commercial horticulture sector. This follows on the grant aid of €3.582 million which was paid for developments carried out over the first two years of the scheme in 2001-2002. The 2003 scheme was launched on 6 February 2003 and will cover the period up to 31 December 2003.
The objectives of the scheme remain the same as in the first round, which covered the 2001-02 period. These are to help producers meet the higher quality standards being sought by consumers and the high environmental and hygiene requirements demanded of all food producers.
In addition, grant aid is also provided to producer organisations under the EU Common Organisation of the Market for Fruit and Vegetables. Currently 17 producer organisations are now recognised under this scheme and were in receipt of €2.967 million in 2001. The scheme enables producers to benefit from their combined strength in producing and marketing high quality fruit and vegetables. Total marketed production of these groups in 2001 was €163 million.
