On the 8th November the Horticulture Industry Forum met for their winter meeting, co-chaired by Senator Pippa Hackett Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity with special responsibility for Horticulture.
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 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.
Application Forms and the Scheme Terms and Conditions are available online. You can also get them by emailing horticulturegrants@agriculture.gov.ie
View the full press release here.