West Limerick Resources - "Committed to the Community"

Grants for Horticulture

Details of the fifth round of the Grant Aid Scheme for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector under the National Development Plan (2007-2013) has recently been announced. This aid, which is set at 40% (50% in the case of young farmers) of total eligible capital investment, will fund projects in commercial horticulture undertaken during 2012. Minister McEntee at the Department of Agriculture was pleased to announce "that the Scheme provided for a lower minimum investment level of €4,000 for applicants under the age of 35".

The scheme covers all horticultural 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 5-a-day as part of a healthy diet.

Details of the scheme and application forms can be obtained from Crop Policy, Production and Safety Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Administration Building, Backweston Campus, Young's Cross, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, (01) 5058886 or at  http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/horticultureschemes/ 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 10th February 2012 and only investments commenced after the issue of letters of approval will be eligible for aid.

Posted on 13/01/2012 by Suzanne Rowley, Information Officer