Small food businesses have been encouraged this week to apply to the LEADER Food Initiative (LFI).
The initiative was originally allocated €15 million by the government to support the development of food and beverage businesses in rural Ireland.
Of the allocated amount, at least €883,000 in funding has become available for various reasons, e.g. project withdrawals, or projects completing for less than the grant amount approved.
This new call is specifically targeted towards on-farm diversification enterprises as well as artisan, micro and small food businesses.
The maximum amount of funding permitted per project under this call is €200,000 and funding proposals must not be for less than €5,000 per project.
Projects must be fully completed by 31 March 2024.
Announcing the final call for applications, Ministers Heather Humphreys TD, Charlie McConalogue TD and Senator Pippa Hackett urged Local Action Groups and their Implementing Partners to engage with potential applicants for this funding in their areas.
They are asked to submit any project proposals they may have to the Department of Rural and Community Development seeking funding approval in principle for these projects.
All project proposals for this call must be submitted by the LAG and their Implementing Partners to food1420@drcd.gov.ie by 5.30pm on 31 August 2023.
