Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2018
172. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial value of the horticultural sector to the economy in 2017 and to date in 2018; his plans to further enhance the horticultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49863/18]
View answerThe farm-gate value of horticultural output for 2017 was estimated by my Department as just over €433million, of which the mushroom sector accounted for €118 million. This was followed in value terms by the protected crops and potato sectors which contributed over €80 million each.
Given that harvesting of certain horticultural crops is still on-going the output estimate for 2018 will not be available until after year-end.
In addition to considering the farm-gate value of horticultural output, it is important to bear in mind that the industry also contributes significantly to both upstream and downstream economic activity.
My Department operates two schemes which aim to facilitate development of Ireland's horticultural sector.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides grant aid for specialised horticultural capital investments. This scheme is fully funded by the Irish Exchequer. The budget for the Scheme has been increased by €1m to €6m for 2019 and the Scheme is currently open to applications.
The Scheme of Aid for Producer Organisations in the Fruit and Vegetables Sector provides support for growers to come together to form a Producer Organisation that collectively markets the grower's production and engages in various measures to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of production. This Scheme is 100% EU funded and provides aid at a rate of 50% on approved expenditure.
Further information on both of these schemes is available at: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/horticulture/horticultureschemes/
