A short extension to the deadline for submitting applications under the 2026 Schemes of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture has been announced.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed the closing date for applications to these schemes has been extended from January 23 to midnight on February 3.

The relevant schemes include:

2026 Scheme for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments);
2026 Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture (Feasibility/Desk Studies);
2026 Scheme of Investment Aid for Process and Organisational Innovation in Horticulture for Large Enterprises.

The schemes opened for applications in December.

They aim to support increased innovation and diversification among primary producers in the horticulture sector.

The schemes were launched on November 12 by Minister of State with responsibility for horticulture Michael Healy-Rae.

The minister announced the opening of the schemes while hosting and co-chairing a meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum (HIF), which focused on growers in the sector.

Progress

The minister said at the time: "The HIF meetings are important for the sector, and I wanted Irish horticultural growers to see first-hand how the forum operates and to enable them to meet directly with their sectoral representatives."

That meeting also saw a presentation on the midterm review of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027.

Minister Healy-Rae said after the meeting: "Tremendous progress has been made in all areas, and I am delighted to say that we are on target to reach a farmgate value of €688 million in 2027."