Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, TD, and Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae, TD, have today announced a swift response to the unprecedented damage caused to the horticulture sector by Storm Éowyn.
Minister Heydon said:
“Storm Éowyn has resulted in unprecedented levels of damage
for some growers in the horticulture sector. The loss of vital growing infrastructure such as polytunnels and glasshouses this early in the growing season is a devastating blow and a real test of resilience. Cognisant of this my colleague, Minister Healy-Rae specifically brought forward a meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum to hear first-hand the impact of Storm Éowyn on the sector. Minister Healy-Rae co-chaired the meeting with Orla McManus, CEO of Producer Organisation CMP on Tuesday 11th February.”
Minister Healy-Rae said:
“The Forum was a great opportunity for me to hear directly from growers and sector representatives on the challenges and opportunities for the horticulture industry. The meeting was very constructive, with good discussion and engagement across a range of areas, including Storm Éowyn, which was top of the agenda for many around the table. I heard directly from growers about the significant impact of Storm Éowyn on their business. In losing critical infrastructure, growers have effectively lost the engines that drive their business. I gave a commitment that I would do everything in my power to work with them on the broad range of issues raised.”
Minister Heydon added:
“Having considered the extent and significance of the damage caused and the need for a considered response, together with Minister Healy-Rae I am delighted to announce a targeted re-opening of the 2025 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to deal only with growers proposing investments in response to the damage caused by the Storm.”
Minister Healy-Rae added:
“In re-opening the 2025 Scheme, growers who already had applications submitted by the December deadline can amend their application to re-prioritise investments considering the damage caused by Storm Éowyn. Furthermore, this targeted re-opening responds to the call for assistance to growers impacted by Storm Éowyn who will now be able to apply for grant aid to invest in horticultural buildings and equipment to help their business recover from damage caused by the storm.”
Noting the impact on Forestry, Minister Healy Rae stated that:
“Myself and Minister Heydon immediately initiated the Forest Windblow Taskforce after Storm Éowyn, which has met twice in the last 2 weeks. The Taskforce is leading a coordinated response comprising stakeholders from across the sector to ensure that storm-damaged forests are managed safely and appropriately. The initial satellite imagery assessment undertaken by my Department and Coillte will be completed very shortly and give an accurate picture of the scale of damage and inform our next steps”
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector operates on an annual basis and the 2025 Scheme had closed for applications last December.
The Scheme will provide grant aid at a rate of 40% (50% for young farmers and licensed organic growers) for approved capital investments. To facilitate efficient administration of applications, the closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 7th March 2025.
Details of the scheme and application forms can be obtained at:
The Horticulture Industry Forum (HIF) was formed as a stakeholder group to facilitate a cooperative approach to the challenges that face the industry and to foster conditions that will grow and develop the industry on a long-term basis. It was formed in 2014 as an umbrella organisation for growers of Irish horticulture produce.
Representatives from the vegetable, mushroom, soft fruit, potatoes, organics and protected crops sectors gave an overview of their key challenges and issues.
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