UPDATE: 03/10/2024 The deadline for applications has been extended to 18th October 2024
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, today announced a public call by her department for innovative proposals to maximise the return to primary producers from short supply chains.
Minister Hackett said:
“This call delivers on a number of Programme for Government commitments around promoting short supply chains and premium sustainable markets closer to home for Irish producers. Short supply chains bolster local economies and also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing transportation emissions. Shortening the distance from farm to fork has real potential to foster greater connection between consumers and producers and a greater appreciation of where our food comes from and the work that goes into producing it.”
The maximum amount of grant aid available under the call is €150,000 per project. There are five different themes to the call, namely:
• developing premium markets closer to home;
• encouraging collaboration among stakeholders;
• supporting small food producers;
• encouraging farmers markets and
• the development of community gardens.
Minister Hackett concluded:
“This is a valuable opportunity for Irish food producers and stakeholders with innovative ideas to collaborate in advancing the sustainability and efficiency of short supply chains within Ireland. 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 18th October 2024 (The application deadline was extended from the original date of 11th Oct 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.
The application form and technical specifications are available at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/fc7c8-organic-farming/
Themes to optimise short food supply chains
The five themes are:
• Develop premium sustainable markets closer to home for Irish producers. Promote short, efficient routes to market that connect small food producers to the consumer and provide advisory, investment and marketing support for those who wish to diversify into new products.
• Encourage collaboration among stakeholders including producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to optimise supply chain efficiency.
• Support small food producers, providing support for on-farm diversification enterprises and investment in local processing facilities, allowing farmers to sell their products into the local and wider domestic markets.
• Encourage and support local authorities to expand the number of farmers’ markets, farm shops and food emporiums, and support the formation of community-owned markets in all towns, showcasing local food produce from local farmers, growers and food producers.
• Work with local authorities and local communities to develop community gardens, allotments and urban orchards.