Press release
Minister Heydon issues a call for proposals for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has issued a call for proposals for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives under the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF).
Minister Heydon said:
"Tourism and the agri-food sector share close ties and complement each other well. This funding provides support towards the development of agri-food tourism initiatives to help rural businesses develop their products and services, connect with the community and visitors and improve the rural experience. 2024 saw some great projects developed under this scheme, I am sure 2025 will build on with opportunities to progress projects further and create new experiences.
"Ireland’s agri-food sector is one of the main drivers of Ireland’s economy, especially in rural and coastal areas. Guided by the Food Vision 2030 strategy, we continue to develop links between local food and tourism offerings. This includes backing for business development and marketing initiatives to support and promote food and drink visitor attractions."
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 which is available on the department's website.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 24 February 2025.
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 Monday 24 February 2025. Applications will be assessed through a competitive process for funding of proposed projects.