Ministers launch 2025 Innovation and Diversification Schemes for Horticulture sector

Photo by Markus Spiske via Pexels

Ministers Charlie McConalogue and Pippa Hackett announce three new funding schemes designed to support Irish horticulture businesses, helping them innovate, invest in new technologies, and secure their future in the industry

Horticulture

10 December 2024

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD and Minister of State, Pippa Hackett have recently announced the opening of three schemes to support increased innovation and diversification among primary producers in the horticulture sector.

Announcing the schemes, Minister McConalogue said: “Encouraging and providing support for diversification and innovation in our horticulture sector 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.”

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 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.

Minister Hackett added: “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. These schemes will help to ensure that the Irish horticulture sector continues to make a valuable contribution to the Irish economy.”

The deadline for receipt of completed applications under both these schemes is midnight on Friday, 7 February 2025.

Application Forms and the Scheme Terms and Conditions can be found on the Departments webpage here or by emailing Horticultureinnovation@agriculture.gov.ie