€25,000 granted for West Waterford Festival of Food

€25,000 has been granted for the West Waterford Festival of Food.

It comes as 10s of thousands of people attended the event in Dungarvan and the surrounds last weekend.

Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue has announced a total pot of 300,000 euro for agri-food tourism projects.

The funding is made available under the 2022 Rural Innovation and Development Fund through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Speaking on the announcement, Minister McConalogue said, “I am delighted to announce the successful projects which have secured funding in the Agri Food Tourism sector. It is great to be able to support these initiatives in the agri-food tourism sector and build on progress already made. There is a great geographical spread of projects this year which highlights the interest throughout the country. Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism. I have backed this important sector and I will continue to back it as Minister for our food sector which is our greatest and most important sector.”

“I place a huge emphasis and importance on agri-tourism in rural areas as it allows our 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, connect with the community and visitors and improve skills and best practice”.

The full list of organisations benefiting from the funding is as follows: