From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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Minister also updates on implementation of actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture at Horticulture Industry Forum winter meeting
Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity with special responsibility for Horticulture, Senator Pippa Hackett, co-chaired the winter meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum today.
At the forum, the Minister announced the opening of the 2024 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector saying:
"I am delighted to be able to announce the opening of the 2024 Scheme with a budget of €10 million. This year has been particularly challenging for growers with incomes hit by high input costs and difficult weather conditions, making it hard for growers to re-invest and grow their enterprise in line with the vision set out in the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027.The allocation of €10 million demonstrates the government’s continued support for and commitment to this important sector."
The Minister also updated the members of the Forum on progress on the implementation of Key Strategic Actions contained in the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 that was published at the beginning of June this year:
“I was very pleased to be able to share with the members of the Horticulture Industry Forum the progress that has already been achieved across a number of the Key Strategy Actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture. It is very clear that a great deal of momentum has already been gained in progressing the actions in this Strategy since its launch in June and I very much welcome the collaborative approach and constructive engagement at the meeting today."
In particular, Minister Hackett highlighted the recent engagements with retailers and the Horticulture Industry Forum sub-committee:
“Meetings that have taken place to date have been very positive with retailers indicating their support for the industry. There appears to be a clear understanding of the importance of ensuring the viability of the horticulture industry so that there can continue to be a supply of Irish produce in the future. In particular, retailers are looking at issues concerning sustainability and ensuring food security, and I look forward to continued positive engagement with retailers over the coming months."
Minister Hackett also said regarding the work on the Strategy:
“The strategy is the starting point for building a strong foundation on which this sector can grow. Although good progress has been achieved in a short time, it is critical that all relevant stakeholders continue to engage with this strategy, as it is this engagement that will ultimately drive its success."
The Minister concluded:
“Although there are a number of challenges currently facing this industry, the focus must be on embracing opportunities. As the actions in the Strategy are implemented, the true potential of these many opportunities can be realised ensuring the achievement of our shared vision of growing a more profitable value-added sector driven by sustainability and innovation."
The Horticulture Industry Forum (HIF) was formed as a stakeholder group to facilitate a cooperative approach to the challenges that face the industry and to foster conditions that will grow and develop the industry on a long-term basis. It was formed in 2014 as an umbrella organisation for growers of Irish horticulture produce.
Representatives from all the seven participating sectors, vegetables, mushrooms, soft fruit, top fruit, potatoes, amenity and protected crops gave an overview of their key challenges and issues.
The 2024 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector will close for applications on 15 December 2023.
The Scheme is intended to assist in the development of the horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production.
You can also get them by emailing horticulturegrants@agriculture.gov.ie
This scheme aids existing producers and new entrants to horticulture at a rate of up to 40% on all approved investments, with qualifying young farmers receiving up to 50% grant aid.