Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2016
274. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering providing funding for the Horticulture Industry Forum, given that this important sector does not receive funding to a level commensurate with the other sectors in agriculture and the need to develop education and research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20319/16]
View answerThe Horticulture Industry Forum was established in Summer 2014 to allow the horticulture industry work together to discuss and seek solutions to the issues it faces. The Forum consists of growers representing all the main sectors within Ireland’s edible horticulture industry. Teagasc and the IFA are associate members of the Forum.
In line with the recommendation set down in Food Wise 2025, the industry is funding the work of the Forum. There are no plans at present to provide State funding for the Forum.
To allow the Forum continue as an industry representative group which can effectively lobby Government, it is important that their independence be maintained.
