Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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138. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will provide targeted financial assistance to horticulturists who do not meet the €7,500 minimum investment requirement under the 2025 scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13625/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The 2025 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector was reopened in response to damage caused to horticulture structures as a result of Storm Éowyn. The targeted reopening of the 2025 Scheme was specifically for growers proposing investments in response to the damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is implemented pursuant to the European Union Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. Any changes to the minimum investment rate of €7,500 would have required prior notification and approval from the EU Commission. As the 2025 Scheme is now closed for applications no amendments can be made to the minimum investment rate at this time.

Organic horticultural growers can apply for the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) Organic Capital Investment Scheme which provides grant aid towards the cost of certain horticulture investments. Grant aid will only be paid on approved, completed, and eligible expenditure and shall be paid at the rate of 40% for licensed organic operators and 60% for farmers who are also current participants of the Organic Farming Scheme up to the applicable TAMS 3 maximum investment ceiling of €90,000 per holding. The minimum amount of investment which is eligible for approval under this Scheme is €2,000 per application.