Niamh Smyth
Question:508. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the12 LEADER food initiative projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53600/18]
View answerWednesday, 19 December 2018
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The LEADER Food Initiative will provide up to €15 million to support the further development of food and drink businesses throughout rural Ireland. The initiative includes funding for the renovation and extension of production facilities, and the purchase of processing equipment. The initiative will also support participants in the artisan food and beverage sector in areas such as market development, competitiveness, and innovation.
The maximum amount of funding available is €200,000 per project and funding will be provided for both capital investment and softer supports related to analysis and development or training. This includes support for collaborative proposals where food businesses jointly address common processing and marketing challenges.
The initiative, which was launched in May this year, is managed by my Department with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The initiative is being delivered using the LEADER methodology. The LEADER Local Action Groups engage with potential applicants, evaluate applications and select projects which are then submitted for approval. The projects are jointly approved by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
A total of 15 projects have now been approved under the LEADER Food Initiative for funding of €682,300. This funding will be drawn down as the projects are fully implemented. 12 of these projects were approved on 12th December, and I understand that they will now be at the contracting stage with their LEADER Local Action Group.