Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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453. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19501/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides support to the horticulture sector in the form of grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.

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. As a result, my Department had to notify the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to the EU Commission under these new Agricultural Guidelines. The required notification was submitted in early January and my Department is currently awaiting approval from the EU Commission which has resulted in the delayed opening of the 2023 Scheme.

Once approval is received, my Department will launch the 2023 Scheme without delay as we recognise the importance of Scheme to the horticulture sector and the challenges being faced by growers.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides support to the horticulture sector in the form of grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.

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. As a result, my Department had to notify the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to the EU Commission under these new Agricultural Guidelines. The required notification was submitted in early January and my Department is currently awaiting approval from the EU Commission which has resulted in the delayed opening of the 2023 Scheme.

Once approval is received, my Department will launch the 2023 Scheme without delay as we recognise the importance of Scheme to the horticulture sector and the challenges being faced by growers.