Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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331. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support the mushroom sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45809/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am providing a range of supports to the Irish mushroom sector, an important sector that makes a significant contribution to the rural economy.

I recently announced the opening of the 2025 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector which provides grant aid towards capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production.This Scheme is 100% funded by the National Exchequer.

Funding has also been allocated under the recent Budget to re-open the Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility / Desk Studies) and the Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments) for 2025. These schemes are designed to assist in increasing innovation and diversification among primary producers in the horticulture sector.

Mushroom growers are also eligible for supports under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables provides an invaluable support to the mushroom sector. A large percentage of Ireland’s five Producer Organisation Scheme members are mushroom producers and can avail of significant financial supports across a range of measures.

In June 2023, together with my colleague, Minister Pippa Hackett, I launched the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027. This stakeholder led strategy sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a road map for the sector to achieve this potential.

I am committed to seeing this sector, grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department is working collaboratively with stakeholders to progress all key strategic actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture.