Minister Joe O’Brien Welcomes €10 Million Investment in the Horticulture Sector

2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector open for applications

Minister of State Joe O’Brien welcomed the opening of the 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector by Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett.

Commenting on the scheme, Joe O’Brien TD said:

“I am delighted with the announcement of this scheme and what it will mean for the horticulture sector in Fingal and I would urge growers in the area that can apply for the scheme to do so before the deadline of 30th June.

“The 2023 Scheme with a budget of €10 million, an 11% increase in funding compared with 2022, demonstrates this Government’s commitment to the sector and meeting the challenges it faces head-on.”

The scheme is open to growers in all horticultural sectors and will provide capital grant aid at a rate of up to 40% on all approved investments.

The scheme, which covers all horticultural areas including field vegetables, mushrooms, protected food crops, amenity crops, soft fruit, and apples, to beekeeping, aims to facilitate environmentally friendly practices, promote the diversification of on-farm activities, improve the quality of products and improve working conditions. This scheme not only aids existing producers but also new entrants to horticulture, with qualifying young farmers receiving up to 50% grant aid.

Details of the scheme have been notified to the European Commission in accordance with the European Union Guidelines for State aid and the granting of approval of aid for investments under the Scheme will only be granted after approval by the European Commission in accordance with the Commission Decision on the measure.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• The 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is 100% funded by the Irish Government. Funding increased from €9 million in Budget 2022 to €10 million in Budget 2023.

• The 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector will close for applications on 30th June 2023.

• The granting of approval of aid for investments under the 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector shall only be granted after approval by the European Commission in accordance with the conditions set out in point 1.1.1.1. of the European Union Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas (2022/C485/01)

• Application Forms and the Scheme Terms and Conditions can be found on the DAFM website here or by emailing horticulturegrants@agriculture.gov.ie