Farrell welcomes announcement of over €1 million in horticulture grants for Fingal producers.
Fine Gael Deputy for Dublin North, Alan Farrell has welcomed the announcement of investment assistance of over €1 million for Fingal horticultural producers. This is part of a national grant aid package of €4.1 million for the horticulture industry announced by Shane McEntee, Minister for Food, Horticulture and Food Safety.
“Horticulture is a particularly dynamic area within the agricultural sector and is responsible for an estimated 5,000 jobs nationally. This funding is of significant importance to horticultural producers and their employees in Fingal after what has been a challenging year.
“2010 was a particularly difficult year for the horticulture industry due to severe weather conditions and strong downward price pressure from the retail trade. The 2011 horticultural grant scheme which is funded by the National Development Plan (2007-2013), will provide assistance to 157 horticultural producers nationally to fund capital investments in specialist new equipment and facilities, with producers in Fingal set to receive over €1 million.
“The value of the horticultural sector to the economy is immense. We need to continue to support this vital industry which is making an extremely valuable contribution to the Irish economy.
The Irish horticulture industry contributed an estimated €280 million to the value of agricultural output in 2010. It provides, both directly and indirectly, an estimated 5,000 jobs nationally with many further jobs being generated in distribution, processing and marketing.
“I am urging members of the public to play their part in supporting the Agri-Food sector by checking Country of Origin each time they purchase fresh fruit, vegetables or plants. Members of the public should seek out and support Irish origin produce. Buying Irish origin food ensures you are getting excellent value for money and high quality food which is produced all delivered with minimal impact on the environment. It also means you are playing your part in supporting Irish producers, Irish jobs and making a valuable contribution to the Irish economy.”