Minister Heydon issues a call for proposals for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives
- Published on: 23 January 2026
- Last updated on: 23 January 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today issued a call for proposals for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives provided under the 2026 Rural Innovation and Development Fund which is operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Minister Heydon said:
“The funding provided under this initiative aligns with many of the goals in my Department’s strategy for the agri-food sector “Food Vision 2030”. One of the key actions in this strategy is to continue to develop linkages between local food and tourism offerings, including support for business development and marketing initiatives to support and promote food and drink visitor attractions.”
The Minister added:
“Ireland’s agri-food sector is ingrained in the fabric of Irish society and is one of the main drivers of our economy, especially in rural and coastal areas. I am delighted to be in a position to continue to provide support towards the development of agri-food tourism initiatives which will help rural businesses to develop their products and services, connect with the community and visitors and improve the rural experience.”
Total funding of almost €300,000 is available for projects with a maximum amount payable to any project of €25,000.
The Minister concluded:
“2025 saw interesting projects developed under this scheme such as Cromane Seafest, Taste of Sligo Food Festival and Wildacres Honey Tour, I would like to see 2026 build on this with opportunities to progress projects further and create new experiences.”
Applications should be made via the Call for Proposals application form which is available on the Department's website.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Notes to the Editor
Agri-food tourism is broadly the practice of offering an activity or activities as part of a visit to areas of well-known agricultural produce and to sample and taste the local or regional cuisine or specialties. Agri-food tourism includes a wide variety of activities that involve the links between agriculture and the food produced at the local or regional level. It may involve staying on farm or touring food trails and events, participation in agricultural endeavours or buying produce direct from a farm or market. Agri-food tourism also encompasses local food, farmer and artisan market schemes that support and are paired with local and seasonal food producers and artisan crafts.
Support for agri-food tourism projects (that may also include rural food markets) is provided under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund. Applications should be made on the attached document. The deadline for submission of applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Applications will be assessed through a competitive process for funding of proposed projects.
The following are the list of projects that were fully funded or part funded in 2025.
Fully Funded
- Cromane Seafest, Co Kerry - €25,000
- Wildacres Honey Tour, Co Wicklow - €14,630
- Inishturk Community Club – Taste of Inishturk, Co Mayo - €16,800
- Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Tory Hill House Farm Shop, Kilmallock, Co Limerick - €6,458
- Boyne Valley Food Heroes, Co Meath - €13,317
- Taste of Sligo Food Festival, Sligo Town - €10,500
- Oakfield Park, Raphoe, Co Donegal – Donegal Festival of Food - €23,689
- Kildare Co Council – Naas Farmers Market - €17,650
- Hinterland West CLF, Clonbur, Co Galway -Farm to Food Experience - €9,884
- Lough Gur Visitor Centre Food and Craft Experience, Bruff, Co Limerick - €24,000
- Stephen Pratt Maize Maze, Abbeyleix, Co Laois - €23,800
- Mount Briscoe Organic Farm, Daingean, Co Offaly – A taste of the land - €15,400
Part Funded
- Cavan County Council (Cavan Food Network) - €10,000
- Destination Lough Derg (Tipperary Co Council) - €10,000
- Kilkenny Co Council (Taste Kilkenny) - €10,000
- Monaghan Co Council (Food Destination Promotion) - €10,000
- Taste Experiences Waterford - €10,000
- Elmgrove Flower Farm, Gormanstown, Co Meath – Daffodil Festival 2026 - €10,000
- Boyne Valley School of Food Culture, Co Meath – Samhain Festival - €10,000
- Ailbhe Gerard, Field Exchange, Nenagh, Co Tipperary – Food and Craft Festival - €10,000
- Tipperary Food Producers Network – Food Tourism - €10,000