Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D. today announced the Government’s approval for an exceptional aid support package of €2.8m to support the critically important horticulture sector.
Commenting on the supports for the horticulture sector, Minister McConalogue said: “We are very proud of the domestic horticulture and vegetable sector and it is a sector we must ensure the long-term viability of. The horticulture sector has been experiencing significant input cost challenges. That is why I have acted swiftly to introduce this package to support our domestic horticulture sector.
“We are focussing the package at our ‘High-wire’ protected glass house producers of tomatoes, cucumber and peppers, field vegetable producers, mushroom producers and commercial apple producers.
These sectors make valuable contributions to the overall economy as well as playing a key role in producing top-class, safe, nutritious and local food. I thank my colleague Minister Hackett for her support in delivering this package.
It is also critical that retailers similarly support native horticulture producers providing choice to the consumer and valuing our native production base, something our consumers expect and thereby securing the long term sustainable future for our horticulture industry.”
Minister Hackett said:
“The horticulture sector, like many others, is facing huge increases in input costs. The supports approved at cabinet today will assist many growers at the very difficult time.”
