Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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350. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up-to-date position on the investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector and when it will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15814/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector assists in the development of the horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production.

The Scheme is subject to EU Guidelines for State Aid in the Agricultural and Forestry Sector and in Rural Areas (Agricultural Guidelines). New Agricultural Guidelines came into force on 1st January 2023 and my Department were required to notify the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to the EU Commission under these new Agricultural Guidelines. We are awaiting approval from the European Commission which has caused the delayed opening of the 2023 Scheme but we are engaging proactively with them.

My Department is aware of the challenges being faced by growers. The scheme will launch as soon as approval is received.