Through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department provides grant aid for horticultural growers who are making capital investments in specialist plant and equipment.
The main objectives of the scheme are to improve the quality of products, facilitate environmentally friendly practices and promote diversification of on-farm activities in response to market demand. Apart from improving the quality of products, investments under the scheme have also significantly extended the growing season for Irish produce.
This is a competitive grant aid scheme so funding is only provided for the very best projects which will achieve scheme objectives. The closing date for the latest round of the Scheme was Friday 18th February 2011 and €4 million was allocated to 157 projects. The grant aid covers all areas of the horticultural industry and will assist in funding investments of approximately €10.2 million in 2011.
Further details of the Scheme are available from the Crop Policy, Production & Safety Division of my Department, who can be contacted at 01-5058801.
A decision has not yet been taken on whether a similar scheme will operate in 2012.
There is also a Scheme of Grant Aid for the development of the Organic Sector which provides financial assistance towards projects which help to improve the production, handling and preparation of organic produce.
The main objective of the Scheme is to facilitate the development of the organic sector so as to ensure a regular supply of high quality organic produce to the market. This Scheme is open at present and approximately €180,000 has been allocated to organic projects so far in 2011.
Further details of the Scheme are available from the Organics Unit of my Department, who can be contacted at 053-9163400.