Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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1163. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will to bring forward grant aid packages in 2013 for the development of horticulture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37015/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, my Department currently provides grant aid for horticultural growers who are making capital investments in specialist plant and equipment.

The main objectives of the scheme are to improve the quality of products, facilitate environmentally friendly practices and promote diversification of on-farm activities in response to market demand. Apart from improving the quality of products, investments under the scheme have also significantly extended the growing season for Irish produce.

Under the 2013 Scheme, €4.4 million was allocated to 175 projects. The grant aid covers all areas of the horticultural industry and will, in 2013, assist towards funding investments of approximately €11 million.

Consideration is being given, as part of the budgetary process and in light of the outcome of the CAP negotiations, to operating a similar Scheme in 2014 but a decision has not yet been taken.