Waterford Enterprises Perfectly Placed for New Funding Scheme for Shorter Food Supply Chains

Press Release, 11th September 2024

Waterford Green Party T.D. Marc Ó Cathasaigh has welcomed a new funding scheme through the Dept. of Agriculture aimed at supporting small food producers and developing local market opportunities. The call for proposals to optimise short food supply chains, issued by Minister Pippa Hackett this week, is designed to promote shorter food supply chains and sustainable markets with a view to boosting local economies and reducing transport emissions, and will fund successful applications up to a value of €150,000.

Dep. Ó Cathasaigh said: “Waterford has a well-established reputation for excellence in food production. This funding should open up new opportunities for local producers to develop market opportunities for this produce closer to home. As well as providing new routes to market, we’re hoping that this scheme will enhance our food security by shortening supply chains. There are five themes under which local food producers can apply for funding, including support for farmers markets and developing community gardens.

Encouraging collaboration between local producers, distributors and retailers will energise our local economies as well as improving access to top quality local produce for consumers and promoting premium markets closer to home should help food producers to improve their bottom line.”

Waterford has a great tradition of excellent artisan food production, by small businesses, community growers and local farmers. This scheme is a great opportunity for us to further realise the potential here in the region to produce the highest quality food in a sustainable fashion.”

Minister Pippa Hackett who launched the scheme said, “whether it’s from a consortium or an individual operator, we want to see proposals with the potential to contribute to shaping a more resilient and sustainable food supply chain ecosystem in Ireland.”

The call for the period 2024-2026 will be open for applications from 9 September 2024 to 11 October 2024.

Applications can be emailed to organicpolicy@agriculture.gov.ie or sent by post to Organic Policy Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford.