Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
571. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the scheme of investment aid for development of the commercial horticulture section 2023 is due to open for this season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26217/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides support to the horticulture sector in the form of grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.
The Scheme is subject to EU Guidelines for State Aid in the Agricultural and Forestry Sector and in Rural Areas (Agricultural Guidelines). New Agricultural Guidelines came into force on 1st January 2023. As a result, my Department had to notify the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to the EU Commission under these new Agricultural Guidelines. My Department is currently awaiting approval of the scheme from the EU Commission.
Once approval is received, my Department will launch the 2023 Scheme without delay as I recognise the importance of Scheme to the horticulture sector.
