Sargent launches horticulture fund

A GRANT aid package of €9.4 million under the grant scheme for the development of the horticulture sector under the National Development Plan was announced yesterday by Food Minister Trevor Sargent.

Grants to 189 producers for investments are provided for in the package which will help to fund on-farm investments of about €23m.

All production areas including mushrooms, protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit apples and bee- keeping are covered. Mr Sargent said horticultural output was now valued at over €300m and retail sales were about €650m.