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Online survey opens as part of public consultation on National Strategy for Horticulture Sector
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D and Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity with special responsibility for Horticulture, Senator Pippa Hackett today welcomed the next phase of the public consultation on the development of a National Strategy for the Horticulture sector. An online survey is now available for interested stakeholders including those outside of the sector itself to assess and prioritise the cross-cutting factors and actions outlined in KPMG’s report on Opportunities for the Irish Horticulture sector. Submissions received, in conjunction with cost benefit analysis and further desk research, will help inform a strategic roadmap to develop a more profitable value-added sector driven by sustainability and innovation. The National Strategy for Horticulture to 2030 is due for publication in Q1 2023.
The survey is available to complete at:
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Horticulturesectorstrategydevt
The deadline for responses is 4pm on 30th November 2022.
Written submissions may also be emailed to horticulturestrategy@agriculture.gov.ie or posted to Horticulture and Plant Health Division, Backweston, Celbridge, Co. Kildare W23 X3PH.
Minister McConalogue said “This important report includes a significant number of proposed actions that could contribute to growth for the sector. There is no single, simple solution and resources will need to be allocated where they will have the most impact. This consultation phase will help inform the priority actions to be addressed in the new National Strategy for the sector. This is a sector that I want to see grow and flourish in the time ahead and I think this report will play an important role.”
Minister Hackett who is due to co-chair a meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum on Wednesday 26th October, welcomed the opportunity for feedback from other relevant stakeholders. “I am looking forward to meeting with sector representatives on Wednesday and hearing first hand and in person their views on the opportunities outlined in the report. However, I would also encourage other interested parties to make a submission. This presents an opportunity for joined up thinking on how best to grow this sector.”
KPMG’s report is available to download from https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/380b3-horticulture/
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