Dan Boyle
Question:63 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has plans to support the glasshouse growers sector and assist in diversification to reduce energy demand. [1935/05]
View answerThursday, 27 January 2005
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Written answers
My Department supports glasshouse growers on an ongoing basis through the grant aid scheme for capital investment under the national development plan. Last year an amount of just over €1 million was paid to glasshouse growers to upgrade their facilities. This included both glasshouses and glasshouse equipment such as heating systems and energy reduction installations. Earlier this week, my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, announced a further €3.6 million grant package for horticulture producers. This will fund projects in commercial horticulture to the value of over €10 million for projects completed in 2005.
In addition, EU aid is available to producer organisations which are supported through approved operational programmes on an annual basis. Among the aims of these programmes are the reduction of costs and the promotion of cultivation practices which are environmentally sound and encourage biodiversity.
I am aware that the rising cost of energy is a very significant factor for glasshouse growers and in this context it is important for these growers to maximise their position by availing of the supports available from my Department.