Ireland’s commercial horticulture sector can now apply for vital investment support, with the 2027 horticulture grants scheme officially open. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has increased funding to €9 million for the year, offering assistance for specialised equipment and capital investment.
Announced on 16 October 2026 by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD and Minister of State Niall Collins TD, the scheme is designed to strengthen the resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of horticultural businesses across the country.
Horticulture Grants Scheme: What Irish Producers Need to Know
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector supports both existing producers and new entrants. Approved investments can receive grant aid of up to 40%, while qualifying young farmers and licensed organic growers may receive support of up to 50%.
The scheme covers a broad range of commercial activities, including:
- Field vegetables, including seed potatoes
- Mushroom production
- Protected food crops
- Soft fruit and apple production
- Amenity crops
- Beekeeping
The funding is intended for specialised plant and equipment that can help businesses improve productivity, adopt new technologies and manage climate-related pressures.
Application deadline for 2027 funding
Applications must be submitted by Friday, 4 December 2026. Farmers and horticultural enterprises should review the official terms and conditions and ensure that all required documentation is prepared before applying.
Government investment aims to future-proof Irish horticulture
The Department said the increased allocation reflects the importance of horticulture to consumers, agricultural incomes and the wider Irish economy. Growers have faced rising input costs and prolonged dry weather during 2026, while also receiving support through exceptional aid and an extension to the Fuel Support Scheme.
According to the Department, the 2027 measure will encourage:
- Innovative technologies and improved on-farm efficiency
- Climate change mitigation and greater resilience
- More precise environmental and resource management
- Improved competitiveness across horticultural enterprises
- Long-term sector growth and stronger agricultural incomes
The scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government and forms part of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023–2027.
Read more: Latest Ireland government funding and agriculture news and Irish business, farming and enterprise updates.
How to seek further information
Application forms and scheme conditions are available through the Department’s Schemes and Payments webpage on gov.ie. Queries about the horticulture grants can be sent to horticulturegrants@agriculture.gov.ie.
Applicants should confirm that proposed expenditure is eligible before committing to investment. Guidance from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine should be treated as the definitive source for scheme requirements.
Explore more: Ireland’s latest sustainability, food and rural development stories and More Irish public policy and community news.
What the announcement means for growers
For commercial growers, the 2027 horticulture grants provide an opportunity to modernise facilities, invest in specialist machinery and improve production systems. The higher support ceiling for young farmers and organic producers may also help broaden participation in the sector.
With the application deadline approaching, eligible businesses should assess their investment plans early, gather supporting information and submit complete applications on time.
Conclusion
The 2027 horticulture grants scheme gives Irish producers targeted support at a time of significant cost and climate pressures. With €9 million available and grants of up to 50% for eligible applicants, the measure could help businesses invest in technology, efficiency and sustainable growth across Ireland’s horticulture sector.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
