§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce special programmes to support and encourage apple growing in Northern Ireland. [186288]
§ Mr. PearsonI have no plans to introduce special programmes to support and encourage apple growing in Northern Ireland. Producer organisations in the sector can avail of financial assistance through the structural support arrangements under the EC Fruit and Vegetable Regime. Further, the Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Management Schemes include options whereby scheme participants may receive payment towards the restoration or re-creation of traditional orchards.
Aid is available to the apple processing sector through the EU Agricultural Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme and the EU Marketing of Quality Agricultural Products Grant Scheme. Invest NI also provides assistance to companies in the sector.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to provide assistance to the apple sector through its advisory and technical services