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

The scheme is intended to assist in the development of the Irish horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.

The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector 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 under the 2027 scheme is Friday, December 4, 2026.

Horticulture

This scheme supports existing producers and new entrants to horticulture at a rate of up to 40% on all approved investments, with qualifying young farmers and licensed organic growers receiving up to 50% grant aid.

The measure aims to help the adoption of innovative technologies in the horticulture sector focused on environmental benefits, along with efficiency and growth.

It also seeks to improve growers’ competitiveness and contribute to the improvement of agricultural incomes.

The opening of the nationally-funded scheme was confirmed today (Friday, October 16) by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon and Minister of State with responsibility for horticulture, Niall Collins.

Minister Heydon said that 2026 "has been a very challenging year for our horticultural growers with rising input costs and prolonged dry weather conditions during the summer months".

"Despite these challenges, the sector has shown great resilience with support from this government, including under this measure but also the Exceptional Aid measure and the extension to the Fuel Support Scheme recently announced.

"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," he said.

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.