Three horticulture schemes have been announced to support increased innovation and diversification among primary producers in the sector.
The 2025 Scheme for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility/Desk Studies) is aimed at small and medium sized enterprises engaging in primary horticulture production.
It is aimed at those that would like to innovate and diversify in the horticulture industry but need to carry out specific studies (feasibility/desk-based) before doing so.
The 2025 scheme for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments) aims to increase innovation and diversification in horticulture by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for Process and Organisational Innovation in Horticulture for Large Enterprises is a new scheme for 2025, which is intended to assist large enterprises engaging in primary horticulture to increase process and organisational innovation.
On announcing the schemes, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue said that “encouraging and providing support” for diversification and innovation is one of the “key” strategic actions set out in the National Horticulture Strategy for 2023 to 2027.
“There is a real desire among our horticulture growers to seek out new innovative technologies to help improve efficiencies and productivity on their farms.
“This was evidenced by the interest shown earlier this year when the 2024 Innovation and Diversification Schemes were launched. I am delighted that we can continue the schemes for 2025, which are funded by the National Exchequer,” Minister McConalogue said.
Horticulture schemes
Minister of State, Pippa Hackett said: “There is a real desire among our horticulture growers to seek out new innovative technologies to help improve efficiencies and productivity on their farms.
“The opening of these schemes provides a support pathway for primary producers seeking to innovate or diversify, thereby helping to secure the long-term viability of their own businesses and of the Irish horticulture sector.
“These schemes provide support to growers at all stages of their journey towards innovation and diversification, from grant aid for feasibility studies for those in the early stages, to grant aid towards capital investments for those who are at a more advanced stage”.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications under these schemes is midnight on Friday, February 7, 2025. Application forms, along with terms and conditions, can be found on the Department, Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) website.