2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for Commercial Non-Primary Producers in the Mushroom Sector and for Peat Replacement by Commercial Mushroom Producers

This scheme is intended to assist in increasing the efficiency and sustainability of mushroom growing, packing and processing, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment for non-primary producer businesses in the mushroom sector in the following:

• renewable energy sources for compost yards, packhouses and processing plants.
• automation and efficiencies in packhouses.
• the infrastructure to produce replacement for peat casing material.
• the infrastructure to produce mushroom-based meat free foods & mushroom powders.

and to primary producer businesses in the following:

• the infrastructure to produce replacement for peat casing material.

The scheme's objectives are to improve productivity and efficiency in the sector in order to mitigate the impact of inefficiencies caused by Brexit.

The Scheme will provide capital grant aid at a rate of up to 40% to all approved investments.

The scheme is aimed at those engaging in commercial mushroom production and its upstream and downstream associated activities including compost production, packing and processing.

Applications should be made on an official Application Form and submitted with the required documentation.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is midnight on Friday 28th July 2023.

Aid will be payable at the maximum rate of 40% on the accepted net cost of investments approved and completed to the satisfaction of the Department. The minimum investment which will be considered for grant aid is €10,000 excluding VAT.

Application Forms and supporting documentation must be emailed to mushroomgrants@agriculture.gov.ie not later than 28th July 2023

Queries regarding the Scheme should be directed to:

Phone: 01 5058886

Email: mushroomgrants@agriculture.gov.ie