43. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action his Department is taking to stop the further decline of horticulturalists in Ireland; the additional supports he is considering to incentivise growth in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52308/26]

The National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a road map for the sector to achieve this potential. The strategy outlines eight key strategic actions to drive change and growth across all sub-sectors of horticulture including attracting new horticulturalists to the sector.

The Government provides significant supports to deliver on the implementation of this Strategy for the sector, through a range of supports and initiatives underpinning its resilience, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides grant aid to horticulturalists towards capital investments in specialised plant and equipment, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. The Scheme covers all horticultural areas including field vegetables (including seed potatoes), mushrooms, protected food crops, amenity crops, soft fruit, and top fruit, and beekeeping.

The Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility/Desk Studies) and the Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments) are designed to assist horticulturalists in increasing innovation and diversification activities in the horticulture sector.

Horticulturalists are also eligible for supports under the CAP Strategic Plan such as Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS), Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Organic Farming Scheme. Growers can avail of significant financial supports across a range of measures including on farm investments supporting environmental and climate action and research and innovation, under the EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables.

Recognising that the future success of this sector depends on developing a strong skills and talent pipeline, a Horticulture Education Review report was published in 2025 under Key Strategic Action 4 of the National Strategy. A key recommendation of the Review was the establishment of a Horticulture Education Leadership Group (HELG), which took place earlier this year with the appointment of Dr Owen Doyle as Chair for a four-year term.

I’m confident that the HELG’s activities in horticulture education reform, curriculum modernisation, career promotion and industry collaboration will play a key role in encouraging generational renewal and help strengthen the future pipeline of skills and talent to support the future development of Ireland’s Horticulture sector.

The Government is committed to seeing this sector, grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department is working collaboratively with stakeholders to progress all key strategic actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture.