DAFM: €300,000 awarded to 22 agri-food tourism projects
The funding is being made available under the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund operated by DAFM.
The fully funded projects include:
Cromane Seafest, Co. Kerry which received €25,000;
Wildacres Honey Tour, Co. Wicklow which received €14,630;
Inishturk Community Club – Taste of Inishturk, Co. Mayo which received €16,800;
Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Tory Hill House Farm Shop, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick which received €6,458;
Boyne Valley Food Heroes, Co. Meath which received €13,317;
Taste of Sligo Food Festival, Sligo Town which received €10,500;
Oakfield Park, Raphoe, Co. Donegal – Donegal Festival of Food which received €23,689;
Kildare Co. Council Naas Farmers Market which which received €17,650;
Hinterland West CLF, Clonbur, Co. Galway – Farm to Food Experience which received €9,884;
Lough Gur Visitor Centre Food and Craft Experience, Bruff, Co. Limerick which received €24,000;
Stephen Pratt Maize Maze, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois which received €23,800;
Mount Briscoe Organic Farm, Daingean, Co. Offaly – A taste of the land which received €15,400.
According to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, (DAFM) Martin Heydon, these initiatives 'build on progress already made' to promote agri-food tourism in different counties.
Minister Heydon said: 'The great geographical spread of the projects this year illustrates the interest in the sector, the development of agri-food tourism and its importance to communities throughout the country.
'Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism.'
DAFM
The projects partly funded by DAFM include:
Cavan County Council (Cavan Food Network) which received €10,000;
Destination Lough Derg (Tipperary County Council) which received €10,000;
Kilkenny County Council (Taste Kilkenny) which received €10,000;
Monaghan County Council (Food Destination Promotion) which received €10,000;
Taste Experiences Waterford which received €10,000;
Elmgrove Flower Farm, Gormanstown, Co. Meath – Daffodil Festival 2026 which received €10,000;
Boyne Valley School of Food Culture, Co. Meath – Samhain Festival which received €10,000;
Ailbhe Gerard, Field Exchange, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary – Food and Craft Festival which received €10,000;
Tipperary Food Producers Network – Food Tourism which received €10,000;
Common Knowledge Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare – Land and Lore events which received €10,000.
According to MInister Heydon, agri-food tourism in rural areas allows 'great food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history, and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine'.
'In addition, it provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans to develop their products and services, diversify their businesses, connect with the local community, welcome visitors and improve skills and best practice,' he added.
Separately the Minister of State with responsibility for food promotion, Noel Grealish, said that the large volume of applications submitted for funding 'shows the appetite that this sector has for innovative and collaborative ventures in this sphere'.
'The competition for funding under this programme is intense and those who were successful should be congratulated for their proposals and their upcoming projects,' the minister added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Agriland
a day ago
- Agriland
Government Needs to Invest in Irish Wool Industry Td
The government has been urged to invest in the Irish wool industry, particularly scouring and processing. Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture, Martin Kenny has said that sheep farmers are busy at present shearing, which needs to be done for the welfare of the sheep. Despite wool being a natural product that has many uses such as clothing, insulation and fertiliser, the price farmers are currently receiving is at "rock bottom", he said. "It costs more for the farmer to shear the ewe than they get for the fleece. There are many farmers with sheds full of wool for three and four years that they are unable to get sold," the deputy said. "I am told that some are having to pay to get rid of it." He said the development of a wool industry in Ireland needs to be state-led, "as we cannot wait for private industry to establish it". "The government needs to invest in the establishment of a large-scale wool scouring and processing plant," the deputy said. 'There is an industry for wool products in the country and there is a market for Irish wool products. "However, there are many wool garments sold in Ireland that are made from imported wool such as Merino wool.'Some Irish wool may not be suitable for clothing, but it still has a use in textiles such as carpets and rugs and for insulation." There is an opportunity for an Irish wool industry that would provide another source of income to farmers and create more jobs in wool processing, the deputy added, and government "needs to step up to the plate here and invest". The programme for government committed to examining the feasibility of a wool scouring plant in Ireland. According to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, two research projects are currently underway to assess sustainable approaches to wool scouring in Ireland. "In 2024, my department announced funding of €574,683 for the Spring Wool research project," the minister said in response to a recent parliamentary question. "Among other things, this project is examining the feasibility of a mobile wool scouring unit that is compliant with wastewater regulations. "The treatment of wastewater from the scouring process is a major obstacle to the growth of the wool sector. The work is being coordinated by the Munster Technological University." The second research project, Regenerative Value Systems for Irish Grown Wool in Ireland, is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. "This project is examining the economics of wool production within a circular bioeconomy," the minister explained. "Key objectives are to investigate various business models for scalable scouring and to assess the potential for local scouring across the island of Ireland." He said his department will examine the outcome of both research projects, "which will help inform government of the feasibility of establishing a scouring plant in Ireland".
Agriland
a day ago
- Agriland
Withdrawing fields from SIM? Get the paperwork sorted out in time
A significant number of tillage farmers may wish to withdraw some fields from the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM). This reflects the continuing good weather and excellent baling conditions. Michael Hennessy, head of Teagasc's Crops Knowledge Transfer Department, commented: 'Harvest 2025 is progressing well. "One particularly notable feature has been both the quantity and quality of straw produced by many crops. 'In light of this, some farmers may wish to withdraw some fields from the Straw Incorporation Measure .' 'Two points are relevant in this regard. First off, the Department of Agriculture should be notified of an intention to bale straw, rather than chop it, at point of combining. According to Hennessey, waiting until after the straw is baled to notify the department "could prove problematic". 'Farmers should also ensure they have a market for the straw they are baling and that the prices on offer at least match the funding available through the Straw Incorporation Scheme,' he added This week has seen the first of this year's spring barley crops harvested. And the feedback from farmers up to this point has been very encouraging. Spring barley yields are in the range 3.0-3.5t/ac, with grain quality also good. And it really is a case of action on all fronts with oilseed rape and winter wheat crops ready now ready for the combine in many parts of the country. Early indications are that rape crops are yielding particularly well. it is worth noting, however, that the spring crops coming through now were planted in March. The yields of later sown spring barleys may not be as promising, a direct result of the drought conditions that impacted across Ireland throughout the month of May. Meanwhile, most forage maize and beet crops continue to look well. Recent rains have boosted growth rates significantly. The prospect of a September harvest date for maize grown under plastic is shaping up to be a genuine possibility in many parts of the country. Demand for maize continues to grow on dairy and beef farms. The forage is widely recognised as a high quality feed source for stock of all ages. Met Éireann is forecasting a good deal of dry weather for the week ahead. There will be some rain or showers at times with temperatures reaching the high-teens to low-twenties . In terms of upcoming tillage events, Teagasc will be hosting its Tillage Forum in the Killashee Hotel, Naas on Wednesday, September 10.
Agriland
a day ago
- Agriland
ICSA urges 'rethink' on antiparasitic prescription rules
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has urged Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon to rethink proposed prescription rules for antiparasitic medicines. ICSA Animal Health and Welfare Committee chair John Barron has said the delay in introducing prescription-only rules for antiparasitic medicines until December 1, 2025 must not be wasted. On Monday (July 21), Minister Heydon announced a further and 'definitive' extension to the transition period for the up-regulation of antiparasitics to prescription-only medicines (POM). The previous implementation date was September 1, which itself was an extended date. The minister said this adjustment represents his 'continued support for stakeholders' in completing the transition to digital prescribing through the National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS), and ensuring alignment across the prescribing and supply chain network. The ICSA Animal Health and Welfare Committee chair is calling on Minister Heydon to use the extra time to "completely rethink how the regulation is being rolled out". 'Tweaking the timeline isn't enough - the whole approach needs a serious rethink,' John Barron said. Under the planned rules, routine antiparasitic treatments like wormers and fluke doses will require a vet prescription, issued through the new National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS). Farmers will no longer be able to buy these products over the counter from their local co-op or licensed merchant without first going through a vet. 'The current plan is too centralised and doesn't reflect how farming actually works," Barron said. "We fully support the responsible use of veterinary medicines - that's not the issue. But it has to be done in a way that actually works for farmers, keeps costs down, and protects local supply channels. "This is about farmers being able to get essential animal treatments when they need them. If these changes go ahead as planned, farmers will face delays and higher costs. "On top of that, many licensed merchants and co-ops who have responsibly supplied these products for decades could be forced out of business entirely - which would be a travesty." The ICSA committee chair said DAFM should "properly engage with all stakeholders - not just vets - and come back with a solution that works in practice, not just on paper". 'This is a chance to get it right. That means keeping licensed merchants in the supply chain and finding a system that actually works for everyone. "This can't just be a delay to push through the same flawed plan. The minister must listen and go back to the table. We need a system that works for farmers, vets, and merchants alike," Barron said.
