Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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452. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports in place for the development of vertical farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67391/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is a support measure that assists in the development of the horticulture sector by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production.

Capital investments including in respect of vertical farming projects are eligible under the scheme.

The 2026 Scheme is currently open for applications and the deadline for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on Friday 12th December 2025. Further information can be found on or by emailing: Horticulturegrants@agriculture.gov.ie.

My Department also operates the 2026 Scheme for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments). This Scheme aims to increase innovation and diversification in horticulture by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment. In addition, the 2026 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility/Desk Studies) is aimed at small and medium sized enterprises engaging in primary horticulture production that would like to innovate and diversify in the horticulture industry but need to carry out specific studies (feasibility/desk-based) before doing so. These Schemes are currently open for applications with a closing date of Friday 23 January 2025. Further information can be found on (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/2026-horticulture-innovation-and-diversification-schemes/) or by emailing: HorticultureInnovation@agriculture.gov.ie.