Press release
Minister Hackett announces new 60% grant rate for €1.5 million Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, today announced that a 60% grant rate will apply to investments funded by the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme (OPIG) in the new year. The scheme has a budget of €1.5 million to support investments in the Irish organic processing sector.
Announcing the scheme, Minister Hackett said:
“There is a growing momentum behind organic farming with a doubling of the number of organic farmers this year to 4,000. It is of paramount importance that we ensure that a market premium is obtained for organic output. Investing in our processing sector, which allows organic processors to increase efficiencies and capacity, is key to this."
The OPIG scheme provides funding to processors who wish to invest in developing facilities for the processing, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic products.
Minister Hackett continued:
“I anticipate significant interest from industry in the OPIG scheme which will on 1 January and remain open until 31 January. This scheme, along with the recently announced promotional funding for Bord Bia it shows organic farmers that every effort is being made to ensure there will be demand for their produce in both domestic and international markets. Now is the time for farmers to make the choice to join the growing numbers of Irish organic farmers.”
The Minister concluded by reminding farmers that the that the closing date for the receipt of applications to the Organic Farming Scheme has been extended to Friday 15 December, and that applications will continue to be accepted up to this date.
The OPIG Scheme will open in tranches; this tranche being open from 1 January to 31 January 2024. Copies of the terms and conditions of the Grant Scheme, together with application forms, are available from the Organics and Market Supports Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle Wexford and on the department’s website at: Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme: Terms and conditions.
This organic support scheme is financed from the National Exchequer.
Applications to be received by post or email on or before 31 January 2024.