€5m is to be provided to support the creation and development of Agri-Food enterprises in rural Ireland. The funding is to be provided under the Adding Value to Agricultural Products measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP).
It is hoped the funding could create a number of jobs both directly and indirectly.
Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government highlighted the importance of the Agri-Food sector as “one of Ireland’s most important indigenous manufacturing sectors”.
He added: “A significant part of enterprise activity in rural areas focuses on food and food-related businesses and the continued provision of support for these businesses is critical as we look to ways to generate employment in rural Ireland. LEADER has a long and productive history of support for the agri-food sector in Ireland and I am happy to announce this funding which will continue to ensure this support. Based on recent research conducted by the Local Development sector this funding has the potential to create more than 200 jobs directly as well as sustaining a number of jobs currently available in the sector. The funding will also stimulate economic activity in rural areas which will, in turn create a more robust environment for further job creation. I am confident this funding will assist in the creation and development of agri-food products that will contribute to the continued success of this sector and in turn support Ireland’s recovery process going forward.”