Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
1032. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid is available under the organic farming scheme to assist farmers in purchasing machinery; the reason this does not cover the purchase of tractors or cattle trailers; if he will consider the extension of this scheme to purchase essential machinery such as trailers and tractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16811/13]
View answerThe aim of the Scheme of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic sector, which is funded by the Exchequer is to facilitate the development of the organic sector so as to ensure a regular supply of high quality organic product to the market. The Scheme provides financial assistance in respect of approved investments/development projects on agricultural holdings, including equipment and facilities for production, preparation, grading, packing, distribution and sale of organic products. I have no plans at present to extend the Scheme to include the purchase of tractors or cattle trailers.
