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20 January 2011
New grant scheme details confirmed
THE minister with special responsibility for Horticulture has announced details of the fourth round of the grant aid scheme for the development of the horticulture sector under the National Development Plan.
Minister Ciaran Cuffe emphasised that the closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 18 February and only investments commenced after the issue of letters of approval will be eligible for aid.
This aid, which is set at 40 per cent and 50 per cent in the case of young farmers of total eligible capital investment, will fund projects in commercial horticulture undertaken during 2011. The scheme covers all horticulture sectors – protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit, apples, beekeeping and mushrooms.
The scheme is aimed at assisting growers to efficiently produce high quality products to meet the increasing demands of a very competitive market.
It will also contribute to increasing Irish fruit and vegetable consumption towards the recommended target of five-a-day as part of a healthy diet.
Announcing this year’s scheme, Minister Cuffe referred to the continual need for the industry to adapt its production methods, both to minimise environmental effects and to benefit from adopting newer technologies.
The minister said he was pleased to note that this scheme includes provision for increasing the uptake of green technologies, including water recycling, generating energy from waste and innovations based on plant production.
In addition, and in line with the recommendations of the Harvest 2020 report, the scheme, he said, would provide funding for specialised equipment and capital investments aimed at improving production structures, energy conservation, improvd hygiene, environ-mental standards, labour productivity and working conditions, as well as improved overall efficiency of production.
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