A €6m horticulture scheme for 2019 has been opened by Minister of State for Agriculture Andrew Doyle.

The scheme provides grants at a rate of 40% for capital investment and is open to all horticultural sectors including field vegetables, mushroom, protected food crops, soft fruit, apples and beekeeping.

“The annual budget for the scheme has been increased by €1m to €6m for 2019, reflecting this Government's commitment to the sector especially in light of the emerging challenges and potential opportunities arising from Brexit,” Minister Doyle said.

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The horticulture sector remains a small percentage of overall Irish agriculture and was hit particularly hard by storm damage over the last 12 months.

“The sector has strong potential for growth and Brexit may provide opportunities for some sectors within the industry although it also presents challenges, most notably for the mushroom sector given its dependence on the UK market,” Doyle said.

Applications close on the 19 December and forms can be found by clicking here.

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