Written question WQ89264

Both of these schemes were introduced in 2022. We did not collate production information as part of the application process. Any increase in production, as a result of the support provided, is not yet easily attributed directly to the schemes.

Our horticulture start-up scheme is designed to help remove some of the barriers to entry into the horticulture sector by providing seed funding to support individuals to overcome the initial financial barrier. We would not anticipate any significant produce to enter the market during the first year following a successful horticulture start-up scheme application.

Similarly, our horticulture development scheme is designed to assist with development or expansion of an existing enterprise. To date the majority of applications have come from small enterprises and not all projects result in increasing production (we would support improved efficiency, both for production and environmental considerations).

As we evaluate the schemes, we will request information on the impact on production so that the benefits of the investment can be established.