Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 545: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of mushroom growers involved in the production of mushrooms ten years ago; the number involved at present; if he is satisfied that every support possible is given to the industry in view of the difficulties that are occurring with the weakness of sterling; his views on short term support for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37260/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There has been a decline in the number of mushroom growers from 504 in 2000 to 85 at present. However, the level of output has remained relatively stable as there has been an increase in the scale of operation of the growers remaining in the business in an effort to reduce unit costs.

The mushroom industry like all industries has faced challenges due to sterling volatility. I am satisfied that ongoing support is being provided to the industry through national and EU schemes.

Under the National Development Plan (NDP) Horticulture Programme (2000-2006) my Department prioritised the mushroom sector for grant aid and has paid out grants in excess of €5 million for approved investments of some €14.5 million to 190 applicants during the period 2000-2006, many of which are family farm units.

Under the current NDP scheme (2007-2013) my Department has paid out grants of €1.248 million for approved investments of some €3.12 million to 19 applicants in the first round (2008). In the second round of the scheme 21 applicants have been approved for grant aid of €1.3 million for approved investments of €3.2 million.

The EU Producer Organisation (POs) scheme is also a vital support for mushroom growers with 93% of Irish growers in POs at present. This scheme provides an important mechanism for growers to achieve greater bargaining power in the marketplace by becoming part of a larger supply base. Between 2000 and 2009, a total of €31.5 million was paid to mushroom POs as part of the EU PO scheme. The reform of the EU's common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables which came into effect on 1 January 2009 identified a strengthened role for POs as the core part of the strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future. The new measures provide greater flexibility and increased funding for some of the approved actions.