The Scheme of EU Aid for Producer Organisations in the Fruit and Vegetables Sector (Fruit and Vegetable PO Scheme)
- Published on: 12 February 2020
- Last updated on: 10 November 2025
- What the Scheme of EU Aid for Fruit and Vegetable Producers scheme is
- How to qualify
- Rate of payment
- Apply
- Terms and Conditions for EU Aid for Producer Organisations in the fruit and vegetables sector
What the Scheme of EU Aid for Fruit and Vegetable Producers scheme is
As part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, the Fruit and Vegetable PO Scheme provides EU aid to recognised Producer Organisations operating in fruit and vegetables (not potatoes) sector. It aims to improve the bargaining power of producers by becoming part of a larger supply base and improve the sustainability of fruit and vegetables production.
The scheme is designed to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables in the EU and support efforts to protect the environment.
How to qualify
Producer Organisations (POs) have to be recognised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and consist of a minimum of five or more active producers, with a combined value of marketable production of at least €2.5million. The Producer Organisation can submit, for approval, a 3-7 year Operational Programme for EU assistance to implement eligible actions.
The Producer Organisation must comply with the conditions of the scheme
Actions eligible for EU assistance are listed in the conditions of the scheme and include:
- Increase planning of production and concentration of supply
- Improve product quality
- Boost commercial value of products and improve medium and long-term competitiveness
- Promote products and increase consumption
- Increase Research and Development
- Mitigate climate change and improve the environment
- Prevent and manage crises
POs in Ireland
There are five recognised POs in Ireland concentrating supply of field vegetables, protected crops, mushrooms, soft fruit and top fruit. Two POs are transnational (with members outside Ireland).
The Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, regularly holds webinars for growers interested in joining or forming a PO. Growers are encouraged to contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and existing POs to understand more about the scheme.
Rate of payment
A PO may claim 50-80% EU aid on eligible actions linked to the EU objectives in a DAFM approved Operational Programme up to a ceiling of 4.6% of the Value of their Marketed Production (VMP) / 5.5% for transnational POs (with members outside Ireland).
Apply
If interested in the Fruit and Vegetable PO Scheme please contact:
POScheme@agriculture.gov.ie for further details.
