Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2146. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assistance that is available to a sector (details supplied) given the increasing energy costs and that the industry is particularly energy intensive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43737/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe potato sector makes a significant contribution to the rural economy. It provides direct employment to 1,344 people and had a farm gate value of €82 million in 2020.
The war in Ukraine is causing ongoing challenges such as rising energy prices, scarcity of energy supply and supply chain issues for many sectors of the economy, including for potato farmers.
As you are aware the Government has introduced a temporary reduction in excise duty on fuels, assistance with meeting the cost of electricity & gas, and a targeted and temporary grant scheme for hauliers, all of which will be of some assistance to farmers and the agri-food sector.
My Department aims to sustainably grow the potato sector by increasing the penetration of Irish potatoes in key channels, adding value through new product development, and building new routes to market, enabled by a sustainable supply of quality seed.
To this end, in June 2022, in response to the disruption to the supply chain of high grade seed potatoes following the end of the Brexit transition period, I launched the Scheme of Investment Aid for the sector. The Scheme will accelerate development of capacity within the seed potato sector by grant aiding specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to the sector. The Scheme, which is worth €3 million, closed for applications on July 1st but will reopen for applications in early 2023.
