Minister Hackett co-chairs meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum with new co-chair Orla McManus of Producer Organisation CMP
- Published on: 6 November 2024
- Last updated on: 11 November 2024
Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity with special responsibility for Horticulture, Senator Pippa Hackett, co-chaired a meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum with new co-chair Orla McManus of Producer Organisation CMP on Monday 4 November 2024.
Members of the forum were provided with an update on the progress of each of the Key Strategic Actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023 – 2027. Forum members were also provided with an overview of the work of the department’s Pesticide Registration and Control Divisions in relation to Plant Protection Products. The Minister also heard from growers from the subsectors of the challenges they are currently facing with access to labour highlighted as a particular concern for the sector.
After co-chairing the meeting, Minister Hackett said:
“The Horticulture Industry Forum meeting was very constructive, with good engagement from all members. It was great to get an update on the progress that is being made on the implementation of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023 – 2027. I committed to the Forum on Monday that I would raise these issues with government colleagues, which I have done. I am happy to say following that engagement that I expect growers to see movement very shortly on the process to become an Approved Seasonal Employer under the pilot Seasonal Employment Permit for the horticulture sector, as well as on the establishment of an Advisory Group in respect of that pilot. Separately, growers will also be interested to know that public consultation on the roadmap of remuneration increases for employment permits will go live in the coming weeks.”
Minister Hackett added:
"I was delighted to welcome industry consultants Dr. Owen Doyle and Mr. Brian Arnold who are leading Key Strategic Action 4 to review horticulture course availability and suitability for a modern dynamic industry, enabling the educational platforms to attract talent that will drive the horticulture industry to realise its true potential. Their report, which is due to be published at the end of March next year, will analyse options for the skills gap that employers are facing. I encourage and welcome industry engagement on this important action.”
Notes
National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027.
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.