Supports for Commercial Growers: The 2026 Horticulture Investment Scheme
On 17th October, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD and Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture Michael Healy-Rae TD announced the launch of the 2026 Scheme of Investment Aid. This scheme is designed to help commercial horticulture businesses including nursery stock production to invest in their future by providing financial assistance for capital projects. The scheme supports the National Strategy for Horticulture and aims to improve growers’ competitiveness and help increase farm incomes, ensuring the long-term viability of horticulture enterprises. In addition, its focus is to help businesses mitigate climate change and focus on environmental benefits.
What does the grant cover?
It provides financial aid for buying and installing specialised equipment, technology and more. This includes investments in renewable energy sources and new technologies that specifically help with commercial horticulture production. Examples of previous successful applications include potting machines, glasshouses, polytunnels, irrigation systems, tree cultivation and harvesting equipment etc.
Who is eligible to apply?
The scheme is open to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are active in commercial horticulture production, including both existing businesses and new entrants.
What supports are available?
The maximum grant rate is 40% of the accepted net cost of the investment. Higher Rate is available to Young Farmers who meet the eligibility criteria (under 40 years of age and meeting certain educational requirement) and Licensed Organic Growers can receive a maximum grant of 50%.
What is the minimum investment?
The total investment must be at least €7,500 (excluding VAT) to be considered for this grant. This can be spread across a number of items e.g. two different machines.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications under the scheme is 5pm on Friday 12th December 2025.
Please contact email Donal if you need support in an application.
The Horticulture Industry Forum (HIF) will host a special “Town Hall” meeting in Celbridge on November 12th, personally hosted by Minister for Horticulture Michael Healy-Rae.
The HIF committee meets twice a year and the HIF sub committee meets every month to drive forward the horticulture sector in Ireland. This meeting has been called to give all growers the opportunity to engage with the Minister with responsibility for horticulture and meet the sector representatives who represent their interests.
This is your chance to have your say and engage directly with the Minister on the issues that matter to your business.
Attendance is by ticket only, with one ticket allocated per grower.
Secure your place for this essential industry event!
Venue: Shared Services Building, Backweston Laboratory Campus, Celbridge, W23 X3PH
Date & Time: Wednesday 12th November 09:30 – 14:30
New – Geo reference requirement for soil samples
Autumn is an ideal time to take soil samples and prepare fertiliser and organic matter plans for the coming year. New this autumn, in line with Nitrate directive requirements, soil samples require a geo-reference or LPIS number to track the correct soil sample to the correct site. A geo reference such as 52o 17’ 39.0” N 6o 30’ 19.5” W can be recorded by a mobile phone handheld GPS device.
See more details here: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Nitrates Regulations Georeferenced or LPIS parcel on the Soil Samples Laboratory Analysis Report.
Autumn Cleanup: Eliminating Overwintering Spider Mites in Glass houses
Spider mites (often the Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae pictured above) thrive in the warm, dry conditions of a glass house, and while populations peak in summer, autumn is the critical time for cultural and physical control to prevent them from overwintering and causing massive outbreaks the following spring. Mite females seek shelter in cracks, crevices, soil, and debris in autumn, often turning red or orange before diapause- their winter hibernation. A thorough, end-of-season sanitation program is the most effective preventative measure. With the go to acaracide Dynamec no longer on the market and other acaracides Apollo, Borneo and Batvia withdrawn in recent years, a different approach of sanitation and hygiene is required to break the cycle of overwintering mites.
Phase 1: Plant and Debris Management – The priority is removing all potential hiding spots for mites and eggs.
Remove All Crop Material: Completely clear out all dead or finished plant material, including roots, leaves, and any bamboo canes. Mites can and will overwinter on residual plant tissues.
Isolate Infested Plants: If overwintering perennial or valuable plants must remain, prune out all affected leaves or stems showing stippling or webbing. Isolate and treat these plants rigorously with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap before they return to the clean glass house, ensuring coverage on the undersides of the leaves.
Contain and Dispose: Bag all removed debris immediately and dispose of it away from the glass house area—do not compost it nearby, as this risks reinfestation.
Phase 2: Structural Sanitation and Disinfection
Mites hide in the glass house structure itself. A deep clean is essential for breaking the pest cycle.
- Scrub Surfaces: Physically scrub all internal surfaces including glass, plastic sheeting, benches, floors, and support bars. Use hot water and a glass house-safe detergent or soap or a mild bleach solution (e.g. Meenos Florades, Huwa-San, Virkon etc.) can be used for structural components and pots that are not sensitive to chemical residue, but ensure adequate ventilation and rinsing afterward.
- Clear Nooks and Crannies: Pay special attention to areas mites are known to hide: benches and staging undersides, pot rims, frame joints, bolts, and crevices, under benches where debris accumulates.
- Clean Equipment: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all tools, trays, and pots that have been used during the season. Soaking pots in a disinfectant solution is recommended.
- Remove Weeds: Eradicate any weeds growing inside or immediately surrounding the glass house, as these can serve as host plants for mite populations.
Phase 3: Targeted Treatment if Necessary
For growers who practice an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, residual mite populations can be addressed with targeted treatments to knock down overwintering individuals.
Consider Dormant or Horticultural Oil: Apply a horticultural oil to the bare structure and/or on any remaining or isolated plants. Oils work by suffocating mites and their eggs and are effective when applied with excellent coverage. Follow all label instructions regarding temperature and safety. Examples of horticultural oils approved for protected use on ornamentals in Ireland include Flipper, Neem oil and Limocide. The mites need to be active for these products to be most effective.
Chemical Miticides: In cases of severe, chronic infestation, an acaricide (miticide) might be required, especially if biological controls have failed or are not being used. It is vital to use products that are registered for use in your specific crops and to rotate chemical classes to prevent the rapid development of resistance, a common problem with spider mites. Floramite containing Bifenazte is a selective miticide that is relatively safe to biological control agents.
See Teagasc Horticulture Portal and PCRD for a list of suitable approved plant protection products.
Images above, mites infestation on strawberry crop and Two spotted spider mite image courtesy of EPPO.
Reminder New EAMU for PPP
See full Updated EAMU for non food crops Feb 2025
- Lakota – Chlorantraniliprole 200g/L Protected tomato, forest nursery, forestry and ornamental outdoor. Similar to Coragen this product controls larvae and caterpillars.
- SHENZI Chlorantraniliprole 200g/L outdoor ornamentals
- Laguna Chlorantraniliprole 200g/L outdoor ornamentals
- Vertipin – Sulphur 700g/L SC Protected & outdoor: Ornamentals and strawberry . Protected: Tomato and aubergine. Sulphur is a useful product for control of powdery mildew and this is a welcome addition for protected ornamentals.
- PROBLAD – Aqueous extract from the germinated seeds of sweet Lupinus albus 100% w/w (containing 20% w/w BLAD protein) SL Outdoor & protected crops of ornamentals etc. This biological fungicide has been authorised for the control of Mildew and botrytis.
These and additional products are listed here for EAMU for edible and non crops
Herbicide Flufenacet non-renewal
The EU Commission recently agreed not to reauthorize Flufenacet in the coming year. Registration expired on June 15th with member states authorised to extend a grace period of 12 months for use up though this is up to each state. Flufenecet is an active ingredient in the following herbicides approved for use with ornamental plants: Sirinova, Sunfire, Cadou Star, Firebird, Naceto and Riber. Irish use up dates will be published by PCS and relayed here.
Health & Safety – Getting ready for the winter storms
With a recording breaking hurricane hitting the Caribbean this week it’s a good time to think of our preparedness for seasonal storms.
A recent government report and review of readiness post storm Eowyn has recommended households prepare for 72 hours without power. Nurseries will understand such an impact would be detrimental with limited irrigation, environmental controls or automated systems, even communications with employees.
To prepare a glasshouse for a storm and power cut, physically secure the structure by closing and locking all openings, trimming nearby branches, and moving loose items indoors. Prepare for the power cut by creating an easy-to-find emergency kit with flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and charged power banks, and unplug sensitive equipment to protect against surges. Head torches are invaluable leaving to you flexibility to work in the dark with your hands free.
Emergency power back up from a generator could be considered in advance, support grant aid for all generators including PTO and diesel is now permitted under TAMS III, the hort grant could also be considered – both schemes offer 40% support aid.
Glass house structural and physical preparation
- Secure the structure: Close and lock all doors, vents, and windows. Use storm locks and wind strapping to secure openings and prevent them from being forced open by the wind. Disengage any automatic openers before locking them manually.
- Secure internal items: Move potted plants, tools, and equipment away from walls and secure them to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Lower shelving if possible.
- Clear the area: Trim overhanging branches and remove dead trees many of which have occurred due to Ash die back. Clear all loose debris, furniture, and equipment from the area around the glass house.
- Manage water and drainage: Ensure gutters and drainage systems are clear to prevent water accumulation.
- Consider temporary measures: consider lying down top heavy plants that are not secure, moving valuable plants to a safer location in packhouses etc. For poly tunnels, you may need to temporarily secure or cut the plastic if the structure is threatened.
Power outage preparation
- Create an emergency kit: Have flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or wind-up radio, and charged phone power banks ready.
- Protect electronics: Unplug sensitive or expensive equipment like computers and televisions to protect them from power surges. This is relevant also when lightning storms are forecast.
- Stock essentials: Some food, bottled water, blankets, and a first-aid kit on hand.
- Stay informed: Have a battery-powered radio for weather and power outage updates, as internet and mobile signals may be unreliable.
Dates for your diary
- November 12th Wednesday Horticulture Industry Forum Grower Meeting, Backweston, Celbridge , Co. Kildare
- December 12th Friday Deadline DAFM Commercial Horticulture Investment Aid Scheme.
