The Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has announced a one-week extension to the deadline for submitting applications 2026 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. The scheme will now close at 5pm on Friday, 19 December 2025. It had been due to close at 5pm this Friday, 12 December.
The scheme which opened for applications in October is intended to assist in the development of the Irish horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment. Further information including the Application Form and the Scheme Terms and Conditions can be found here.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is intended to assist in the development of the horticulture sector, including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production.
The Scheme is open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) active in the primary horticulture production sector (including beekeeping). Please see User guide to the SME Definition for further information on the qualifying criteria that determines whether a company is an SME or not.
This Scheme is targeted at those in the commercial horticulture section including beekeepers. Applications should be made on an official Application Form and submitted with the required documentation.
Aid will be payable at the maximum rate of 40% (at a maximum rate of 50% in the case of young farmers meeting the eligibility criteria and licensed organic growers) on the accepted net cost of investments approved and completed to the satisfaction of the Department. The minimum investment which will be considered for grant aid is €7,500 excluding VAT except in the case of beekeeping where a minimum investment of €2,000 excluding VAT applies.
Source: Government of Ireland
