Minister of State Joe O’Brien (Dublin Fingal) welcomed the opening of the 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector by Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett, writes Rose Barrett.
Commenting on the scheme, the Fianna Fáil Minister 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 June 30.
“The 2023 Scheme with a budget of €10 million, an 11 per cent 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 per cent 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 per cent 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.
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