Joe O'Brien - Green Party
Minister Joe O’Brien encouraging applications for funding to the LEADER Food Initiative as final call announced
26th May, 2021
Minister Joe O’Brien (Green Party)
Dublin Fingal
26th May 2021
Minister Joe O’Brien encouraging applications for funding to the LEADER Food Initiative as final call announced
- €5 million fund aimed at artisan, micro and small food businesses
- Funding will help artisan, micro and small food businesses to respond to challenges posed by Brexit and COVID-19
- LEADER programme a key plank of ‘Our Rural Future’
Minister Joe O’Brien is keen to encourage small food businesses to apply for funding under the LEADER Food Initiative – a €5 million investment aimed at assisting businesses to deal with the challenges posed by Brexit and COVID-19. The final call for applications for this funding was announced this week.
Minister O’Brien said:
“The final tranche of the funding allocated for the LEADER Food Initiative amounting to €5 million is now being made available for applications for artisan, micro and small food enterprises engaged in the agri-food sector.”
“The maximum rate of aid available to eligible projects has now increased from 50% to 75% for project applications received on or after 1st April 2021. This funding will help support farmers and food enterprises to develop premium sustainable outlets for their products on the Irish Market. It will aid small food producers to connect to the consumer in new ways.”
“I would encourage local enterprises in Fingal, who may qualify for this funding, to contact Fingal Leader Partnership to avail of this funding and support as we move into a post pandemic economy.”
The funding covers inter alia the renovation and extension of production facilities, the purchasing of processing equipment, as well as supporting participants in the artisan food and beverage sector in areas such as market development, competitiveness, and innovation.
ENDS
For more information please contact johanna.walsh@oireachtas.ie