Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 4

Written Answers. - Farm Improvement Programme.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

38 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the criteria required for private investment under the European Farm Improvement Programme; whether any private investors have so far expressed interest in the programme; the number of jobs expected to be created as a result of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16987/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food & Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The farm improvement programme, which is limited to investment in horticulture, was announced recently.

The programme is open to full-time farmers who take out a farm plan as outlined in Council Regulation No. EEC 2328/91. Grant aid will be payable to an eligible farmer at a rate of 35 per cent subject to a ceiling of £45,000 per man work unit and not exceeding 2 man work units.

Applicants will be required to have a minimum skill and competence, including the appropriate experience in horticulture. Young farmers will be eligible for additional aid of 8.75 per cent where the farm plan is taken out within five years of setting up as a full-time farmer. In addition the young farmer must have attained minimum education of the green cert or equivalent.

The new programme offers further opportunities for the development of horticulture, including mushroom tunnels, hardy nurseries and glasshouses as well as ancillary facilities (storage facilities, wash houses, etc. with the potential of creating up to 2,000 jobs over the next four years.

The application documents will be available in the local Teagasc offices next week.