Ms Deirdre Fay:

Yes, that is correct. As Mr. Conroy alluded to in the opening statement, there were two avenues for funding for the mushroom sector under BAR. Since 2021, total BAR funding of €1.8 million has been provided to promote mushroom consumption in the UK and sustain Irish market share. Irish mushrooms comprise 50% of the UK market share and Irish growers have the capacity to increase their production in this regard. These promotions were organised by An Bord Bia on behalf of the Mushroom Bureau.

Additionally, the Department also launched two mushroom efficiency schemes: the 2023 scheme of investment aid for energy, efficiency, automation and processing for commercial mushroom producers and the 2023 scheme of investment aid for commercial, non-primary producers in the mushroom sector and for peat replacement by commercial mushroom producers. Both these schemes were designed to accelerate investment in the mushroom sector to reduce inefficiencies caused by Brexit. The Senator is correct, though, that the funding for these schemes, in respect of applicants who have been approved for payment under them, will be paid out by the end of this year.