Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
861. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial supports that are available for agricultural producer organisations established in the past year; and the way these can be drawn down by such organisations. [5163/22]
View answerThe EU’s Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisation scheme offers recognised Producer Organisations in the fruit and vegetable sectors (not potatoes) to claim 50% aid from the EU for pre-approved Operational Programmes up to a value of 4.1% of the Value of their Marketed Product. Such aid is paid retrospectively and after claims have been checked and verified by my Department.
Recognised Producer Organisations in the Beef sector can avail of support for the engagement of Department approved facilitators for the provision of advisory services to support their application for recognition. Support of up to €3,000 is currently available on two types of advice at a rate of up to €1,500 each. This aid is paid retrospectively following formal recognition of the Producer Organisation.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to enhance supports for the establishment of Producer Organisations, Ireland's recently submitted CAP strategic plan contains a proposal for enhanced supports for early stage Producer Organisations in the beef, sheep, horticulture (including potatoes), cereals and amenity plant sectors. This proposal provides for the retention of existing advisory support and the addition of an administrative support grant payable annually in the first three years following recognition.
