The 2027 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is now open.

The scheme is aimed at assisting in the development of the Irish horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.

The Department states that the scheme covers all horticultural areas including field vegetables (including seed potatoes), mushrooms, protected food crops, amenity crops, soft fruit, apples and beekeeping. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 4 December 2026.

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Recognition

The scheme opening was announced by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture Niall Collins.

Minister Heydon said: “This year has been a very challenging year for our horticultural growers with rising input costs and prolonged dry weather conditions during the summer months.

“This Government recognises the importance and contribution of the horticulture sector to consumers and the Irish economy and has increased budget funding for the sector to €9 million in 2027. This scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.”

Minister Collins added: “I have had the opportunity to engage with growers in the horticulture sector over the past few months and I know how important this scheme is to the sector.

“Growers, through support from the scheme, have embraced new technologies to improve resilience, sustainability and on-farm efficiencies, thereby helping to secure the long-term viability of the Irish horticulture sector,” he said.