Written answers

Thursday, 17 September 2020

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horticulture Sector

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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219. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to compensate plant nurseries which recently saw significant damage to stock as a result of poor weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24469/20]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am fully aware of the effects caused by recent challenging weather conditions and its impact on the agri sector generally including the specialised nursery sector. This is most regrettable as many of the affected growers were facing very strong market demand for their produce after a number of challenging years. 

The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector is a mechanism that can assist growers to help businesses rebuild and address the challenge of climate adaptation. My Department is prioritising payment of grant aid to approved applicants under the 2019 Scheme and it is expected that the full budget of €6 million will be drawn down by the end of 2020. 

This Scheme is due to re-open towards the end of October 2020 and grant aids capital investments in specialised plant and equipment as well as emerging technologies specific to commercial horticulture production. Under this scheme, aid at a rate of 40% (or a maximum rate of 50% in the case of young farmers) is payable on the accepted cost of approved capital investments or equipment. This Scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.

In addition, growers and food businesses can also benefit from access to the Government’s liquidity and investment responses to Covid-19 impacts, including the expansion of the Future Growth Loan Scheme for capital investment and Microfinance Ireland loans for working capital.   While the banks have extended their payment break from three months to six months for those directly impacted by Covid-19, the Government has announced an expanded Credit Guarantee Schemes, which will support working capital lending to SMEs, including farmers.

Finally, food businesses are eligible for the Covid Working Capital Loan Scheme, as well as Enterprise Ireland supports to maintain business continuity and liquidity. Bord Bia has provided an additional €1m Covid-19 response Marketing Package for Agri businesses to accelerate eCommerce and expand marketing activities.

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