I am aware that due to a wet spring and the recent lack of rainfall some growers are experiencing challenges in production and there has been an increase in input costs across all agriculture, which has added to this challenge.
To address some of the challenges being faced across the horticulture sectors, the recently published National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 identified eight Key Strategic Actions the implementation of which will ensure the long term continued viability of the horticulture industry.
In addition to this my Department supports the horticulture industry in Ireland with a range of measures, firstly, The National Exchequer funded 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector, which is now open for applications, has an increased budget of €10 million reflecting the importance of the sector. The EU funded Producer Organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables delivered €4.2 million in aid for the industry in 2022 and similar levels of aid will be payable for 2023 activities. The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) funded 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Seed Potato Sector and Chipping Potato Sector has a budget of €1.5 million to help develop the Irish chipping and seed potato sectors. And, finally some horticulture growers are also eligible for support under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3), Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS), Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and Organic Farming Scheme.
My Department continues to engage with the sector in relation to current challenges and will monitor the situation regarding further supports under review.
