Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

My Department has contributed significantly to the support of the horticulture industry through its grant aid scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The scheme assists capital investment on farms to promote the specialisation and diversification of on-farm activities, improve the quality of products, facilitate environmentally friendly practices and improve working conditions on farms. It has made an immense contribution to the growth and development of the horticulture sector across all areas, including protected crops, field vegetables, nursery crops, mushrooms, soft fruit, apples and beekeeping.

Under the first two rounds of the current scheme, a total of €8 million was paid out to 220 producers in 2008 and 2009, supporting investment of some €20 million. This year I am providing a further grant package of €4 million which will fund projects to the investment value of some €10 million. Under the previous scheme which was operated under the national development plan for 2000-06, grant aid amounting to €18.5 million was paid to 656 producers which supported investment of €53 million.

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