Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
606. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding or supports available to new farmers starting out in mushroom production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13442/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am providing a range of supports to the Irish mushroom sector, an important sector that makes a significant contribution to the rural economy.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides grant aid towards capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. This Scheme is 100% funded by this Government. Mushroom producers and new producers are eligible to apply for this scheme and those that applied for the 2025 scheme will receive their letters of notification shortly.
The 2025 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility/Desk Studies) and the 2025 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments) are designed to assist in increasing innovation and diversification among primary producers in the horticulture sector including the mushroom sub sector. Mushroom producers that applied for these schemes will be notified in the coming weeks.
Mushroom growers are also eligible for supports under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables provides an invaluable support to the mushroom sector. A large percentage of Ireland’s five Producer Organisation Scheme members are mushroom producers and can avail of significant financial supports across a range of measures. This scheme is for current producers but it is something that should certainly be considered by new farmers starting out in mushroom production.
The National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a road map for the sector to achieve this potential. I am committed to seeing this sector, grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department is working collaboratively with stakeholders to progress all key strategic actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture.
