On 7 August, Ministers Humphreys, McConalogue and Hackett announced a new call for applications to the LEADER Food Initiative (LFI).
The LFI was allocated €15 million as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 -2020 (extended to 2022). Of the allocated amount, at least €883,000 in funding has become available.
This new call is specifically targeted towards the following groups to enable them to diversify, expand and develop:
- on-farm diversification enterprises; and
- 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. Additionally, projects must be fully completed by 31 March 2024.
Announcing the final call for applications, Local Action Groups (LAGs) and their Implementing Partners (IPs) were urged to engage with potential applicants for this funding in their areas and 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 IPs to food1420@drcd.gov.ie by 5:30 pm on 31 August.
Further information on the announcement can found here.
