Minister McConalogue issues a call for proposals for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives
- Published on: 23 January 2024
- Last updated on: 15 May 2024
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has issued a call for proposals for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives under the 2024 Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF).
Minister McConalogue said:
“Tourism and the agri-food sector are inextricably linked – they complement each other well. This funding provides 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. In 2023 some great projects were developed under this scheme, and it is hoped that 2024 will provide an opportunity to progress projects further and indeed create new experiences.
"Ireland’s agri-food sector is one of the main drivers of our economy, especially in rural and coastal areas. Guided by my department's Food Vision 2030 strategy, we continue to develop linkages between local food and tourism offerings. This includes backing for business development and marketing initiatives to support and promote food and drink visitor attractions. This grant is testament to the continued support this government is providing and will continue to provide to rural agri businesses.”
Total funding of almost €300,000 is available for projects supporting agri-food tourism initiatives (which may also include rural food markets). The maximum amount payable to any project is €25,000.
Applications should be made via the Call for Proposals application form.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on 23 February.
Notes
Agri-food tourism broadly is 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 noon on 23 February 2024. Applications will be assessed through a competitive process for funding of proposed projects.