Government of Ireland supports investments in the Seed Potato and Chipping Potato Sector

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, announced the commencement of the issuing of grant approvals under the 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Seed Potato Sector and Chipping Potato Sector.

The scheme will assist in the development of capacity within the Irish seed and chipping potato sectors by providing grant assistance to producers towards the capital cost of specialised equipment and facilities.

The Scheme, which is worth EUR 3.1 million (USD 3.25 million) in 2023, is funded utilising funding under Ireland’s allocation from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund (BAR).

Charlie McConalogue:
 

"I am delighted to announce the issuing of approvals to scheme applicants. It was heartening to see such a high level of interest in the scheme which highlights the confidence and commitment of the Irish seed and chipping potato growers to the future of this industry."

"The expansion of the scheme in 2023 to include Irish chipping potato growers demonstrates my continued support to the ongoing development of this important industry."

Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity with special responsibility for horticulture:
 

"This scheme is a positive step in the continued development of the Irish seed and chipping potato industry."

"The UK’s decision to leave the European Union presented growers with many challenges, this scheme has provided a great opportunity for Irish growers to address these challenges by enabling them to develop capacity and facilitating the expansion of a sustainable home-grown industry."

Grant aid approval letters have started to issue to eligible applicants under the 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Seed Potato Sector & the Chipping Potato Sector.