What Is Agri-Food Tourism?
Agri-food tourism broadly is the practice of offering an activity or activities in rural areas to visit areas of well-known agricultural produce and to sample and taste the local or regional cuisine or specialties. Agri-food tourism may involve staying on farm or touring food trails and events, participation in agricultural endeavours or buying produce direct from a farm or market. It also encompasses local food, farmer and artisan market schemes that support and are paired with local and seasonal food producers and artisan crafts.
The development of agri-food trails allows promotion of regional or specialist cuisines, the growth and development of local or regional food and drink producers, traders and artisans whilst supporting diversification of rural producers within a wider framework of tourism. These operations are run in a number of settings ranging from working family farms, local community initiatives through to more institutional frameworks at the County or inter-County level. Experience has shown that well run operations provide an opportunity for inclusion of agricultural produce, local food artisans and producers, and local rural markets into tourism more broadly. These initiatives support farm and local community diversification and help farmers connect with the wider community. From a Government perspective, they provide a collaborative framework for different Departments and agencies to work together.
How Much Money Has Been Allocated For 2018?
An allocation of €419,000 is available for 2018 as part of a funding framework. The 2018 allocation aims to develop and expand capacity for agri-food tourism and build on the projects and learning from 2017. A competitive public procurement procedure under the 2018 Rural Innovation and Development Fund for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives was announced in June and two projects were successful. A further call for proposals is being issued in September with €200,000 funding available for projects with a maximum of €25,000 being awarded to any one project.
What Is The Deadline For Applications?
The deadline for receipt of applications is 12:00 noon on the 19th October 2018. Applications received after this time and date will not be considered.
Where Can I Get More Details And An Application Form?
Full details of this Call for Proposals and the official application form can be downloaded below:
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Call for Proposals (doc 311Kb)
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