Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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18. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support the mushroom industry and other horticultural sectors in view of ongoing challenges including accessibility of horticultural peat. [26911/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am very aware of the current dependence of the horticultural industry on the availability of peat moss.

Following on from the publication of a report on the review of the use of peat moss in the horticulture industry by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister Noonan set up a working group to consider impacts on the sector.

It is anticipated that this working group representing Government Departments, including Agriculture, Food and the Marine, State Agencies, Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and industry stakeholders, will address the key issues raised in the report itself, including future use of peat by the horticulture sector. The first meeting of the independent working group took place on 4th March.

My Department provides a support to the horticulture industry through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector. Financial support is available to assist growers and businesses through grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. A 50% budget increase to €9 million has been secured for 2021 reflecting the importance of the sector. This Scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.

In addition, the Department administers the EU Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables which allows growers jointly market their production in order to strengthen the position of producers in the marketplace.

My Department through the Horticulture Industry Forum engages with the horticulture sector on an ongoing basis. As recently as April 20th, I co-chaired a Horticulture Industry forum meeting where the challenges and opportunities facing the industry were discussed.