€30m fund for agri-food companies
The second call for applications under the Government’s €100m Brexit scheme for the agri-food sector has recently been launched.
Introduced by Government at the end of 2020, it was established in recognition of the agri-food sector’s unique exposure to the impact of Brexit and other global trading challenges.
Up to €30m is available under this second call, which is being administered by Enterprise Ireland. It is open to large, medium and small enterprises, engaged in the processing and marketing of primary meat and dairy products.
It was launched by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue and Minister of State with responsibility for Research & Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development Martin Heydon.
The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “Irish companies, including companies in the agri-food sector, prepared remarkably well for Brexit. However, the impact of such a fundamental change in our trading relationship with our largest export market is significant and the Government is determined to support the vital agri-food sector to adapt, diversify and innovate in a sustainable way.
“The first call under this scheme saw 22 projects approved for €70m funding that will assist companies develop new products and enter new markets. This innovation is important to the sector that employs more than 170,000 people across the country and is a crucial regional employer,” he pointed out.
“This second competitive call will see another €30m invested in the future of our agri-food sector, ensuring it can continue to compete and win in international markets and continue to create jobs across the country.”
Minister Charlie McConalogue stated: “The €100m capital fund for the agri-food industry is about futureproofing our world-class agri-food industry.
“The scheme will enable food processing companies become more operationally resilient through the pursuit of product/market diversification strategies which complement the ambition set out in Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s 10 year plan for the agri-food sector.”
CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Leo Clancy said: “This important fund is already accelerating transformational investments by companies in the agri-food sector, with approvals for 22 projects made to date.
“This is a particularly challenging time for the sector and ensuring companies have the capability to invest now for the future is important to ensure that world-renowned Irish food products continue to be highly valued in export markets and produced in a sustainable way.”
A webinar for prospective applicants hosted by Enterprise Ireland will be held on Monday 5 September and all documentation will be available on Enterprise Ireland’s website.
Companies can make enquiries to CIS@enterprise-ireland.com.
Eligible companies are invited to submit applications from Monday 12 September until the closing date on Friday 11 November at 5.30pm.