The horticulture sector in Clare is being urged to apply for grant aid under a Government scheme announced today (Wednesday, 3 December 2014).
Support for the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector was maintained in the recent Budget with €4.2 million allocated to the Scheme for 2015
Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy says the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is open to all horticultural sectors, including protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit, apples, beekeeping and mushrooms.
In previous years, numerous Clare producers have benefited from funding under the Scheme.
Senator Mulcahy stated: "Since its launch in 2000, there has been a year on year increase in the level of interest in this scheme, which reflects the high degree confidence among Clare's producers in the future of the sector. I would encourage shoppers to support local producers who are striving to meet the highest standards. By supporting them we are making an investment in our own community,” stated Senator Mulcahy.
The Fine Gael Senator added: “I have been informed by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney that there will be a very strong demand once again for this competitive grant aid scheme. I would urge eligible commercial producers in Clare to submit their applications for funding as soon as is practicable."
Under the €4.25m scheme, grant aid is provided at a rate of 40% (50% in the case of qualifying young farmers), for approved capital investments undertaken by 2nd October 2015. The closing date for receipt of applications is 23rd January 2015 and only investments which commence after the issue of the respective letter of approval will be eligible for aid.
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 www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/horticulture/horticultureschemes.
Support for the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector was maintained in the recent Budget with €4.2 million allocated to the Scheme for 2015
Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy says the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is open to all horticultural sectors, including protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit, apples, beekeeping and mushrooms.
In previous years, numerous Clare producers have benefited from funding under the Scheme.
Senator Mulcahy stated: "Since its launch in 2000, there has been a year on year increase in the level of interest in this scheme, which reflects the high degree confidence among Clare's producers in the future of the sector. I would encourage shoppers to support local producers who are striving to meet the highest standards. By supporting them we are making an investment in our own community,” stated Senator Mulcahy.
The Fine Gael Senator added: “I have been informed by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney that there will be a very strong demand once again for this competitive grant aid scheme. I would urge eligible commercial producers in Clare to submit their applications for funding as soon as is practicable."
Under the €4.25m scheme, grant aid is provided at a rate of 40% (50% in the case of qualifying young farmers), for approved capital investments undertaken by 2nd October 2015. The closing date for receipt of applications is 23rd January 2015 and only investments which commence after the issue of the respective letter of approval will be eligible for aid.
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 www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/horticulture/horticultureschemes.
