Application deadline for horticulture investment scheme approaches
The scheme aims to facilitate environmentally friendly practices, promote the diversification of on-farm activities, improve the quality of products, and improve working conditions.
5 December 2018
The deadline for receipt of completed applications for the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is 5pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
The grant aids capital investments in specialised plant and equipment in the commercial horticulture sector. The scheme’s objectives are to: promote the diversification of on-farm activities, improve the quality of products, facilitate environmentally friendly practices, and improve working conditions.
Scale of investments
The minimum investment which will be considered for grant aid is €10,000 excluding VAT, except in the case of beekeeping where a minimum investment of €2,000 excluding VAT applies.
The upper cumulative limit, per applicant, for investments under the scheme over the period 2014-2019 is €5m. Aid for each investment will be decided based on the availability of funds and the ongoing priorities for each sector within the industry as well as the quality and scale of the proposals.
Account will also be taken of whether grants awarded to the applicant under previous rounds of this scheme were drawn down in full. In some cases, only part of an investment may be approved for aid.
Funding and Financing
Under this scheme and subject to conditions, aid at a rate of 40% (or a maximum rate of 50% in the case of young farmers ) will be payable on the accepted cost (excluding VAT, discounts and allowances) of capital investments approved and completed to the satisfaction of the Department. The scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.
Unsuccessful Projects
Where eligible projects have not been approved for grant aid and have not commenced, applicants may re-apply for consideration in the event of a future round of applications under the scheme, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme at that time.
However, it is important to note that the continuance of the scheme is contingent on sufficient Exchequer funds being made available and the European Commission granting Ireland approval to operate a further round(s) of the scheme.
Full terms and conditions of the investment aid scheme can be read and downloaded here, and an application form for investment aid can be read and downloaded here.
For more information on investment aid schemes for producer organisations in the fruit and vegetables sector, check out the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine’s website.
Further details may also be obtained by phoning: 01-5058797 or 01-5058801.
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