IFA Horticulture Chairman Paul Brophy has welcomed an increase in the investment aid scheme for the development of the commercial horticulture sector.

“In previous years the scheme has been oversubscribed. Therefore, the increase in funding from €6m to €9m is welcome,” he said. The IFA Chairman was reacting to the launch of the 2021 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector.

“The scheme is essential for the continued development and competitiveness of the Irish horticulture sector,” he said.

“This scheme assists in the development of the horticulture sector by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy. It also supports investment in technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. Ireland’s horticulture sector currently contributes over €477 million to the value of output at farm-gate level. The sector is directly responsible for over 6,600 jobs, with many more employed indirectly both upstream and downstream.”

He said, “There is major potential for the sector to expand given the current trends in eating habits, the need for on-farm diversification and the emphasis on local, sustainable production. Current efforts to develop the apple sector are a prime example of an initiative which should be supported and replicated”.

Following today’s Beef Task force meeting, IFA President Tim Cullinan said that agreement had been reached to proceed with the application of PGI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef.

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IFA Aquaculture Chairman, Michael Mulloy welcomed the announcement at today’s IFA Aquaculture AGM, by Minister Charlie McConalogue, of a Covid-19 financial support scheme for rope mussel and oyster farmers.

Michael Mulloy said, “The impact of the Covid-19 crisis has been significant on the Irish Aquaculture sector. Shellfish have been particularly affected due to face market uncertainty. IFA Aquaculture lobbied at EU level for amendments to rules for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), introduced in April 2020. We welcome the announcement from Minister McConalogue today of a Covid-19 Aquaculture Support Scheme for the Irish shellfish producer”.

Announcing the new support scheme, Minister McConalogue said he anticipated that BIM would be inviting applications in early November and intend to pay successful applicants in 2020.

The announcement of 6 weeks of strict lockdown measures wreaks havoc for the food service sector once again. Liftings of main crop continue around the country. It is estimated that lifting progress is around 50%. Some growers are well through but others still have a lot to do. Some regions of Donegal are finding it very difficult as soil moisture levels are very high with more rain forecast.  Initial yield dig figures estimate that yields are back 15% in parts of the country.

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Prices reported as quoted or paid to IFA Members.

Favourable market conditions.

• Steer base €3.60 – 3.65/kg.
• Heifer base €3.65 – 3.70/kg.
• Young Bulls R/U €3.40- €3.70kg.
• Cows €3.00/3.50/kg.
• In-spec bonus 20c/kg for under 30 months and 8c/kg for 30 to 36 months.
• 12c/kg bonus for under 30 month steers and heifers grading O- and those with a fat class of 4+ that meet all other in spec criteria.