FDBusiness.com

The Irish Government has launched the second call for applications under its €100 million Scheme for the agri-food sector. The Scheme, introduced by Government at the end of 2020, has been established in recognition of the sector’s unique exposure to the impact of Brexit and other global trading challenges.

Up to €30 million 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.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD said: “Irish companies, including companies in the agri-food sector, prepared remarkably well for Brexit and as a result of their resilience, we managed to avoid the worst-case scenario we once feared. However, we do not take that hard-work for granted. Such a fundamental change in our trading relationship with our largest export market has had really significant consequences and the Government has been and will continue to be, on hand to help the more than 173,000 people that work in the agri-food sector to adapt, diversify and innovate in a sustainable way.

“The first call under this Scheme saw 22 projects approved for €70 million funding. This investment went into businesses across the country, to develop new products for new customers and new markets. From helping Slaney Foods in Wexford increase the capacity of its frozen food offering so it could send its product further afield, to supporting Glanbia to diversify away from cheddar to other cheeses such as Gouda, more suited to Chinese and Japanese markets, this funding has made a real difference.

“We’re announcing a further call, for €30 million, which I hope will be a further boost to Irish agri-food business, helping them continue to compete and win in international markets creating further jobs across the country.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD stated: “The €100 million capital fund for the agri-food industry is about future-proofing our world-class agri-food industry. The Government is assisting companies to make the capital investment now that will pay dividends in the years ahead and allow them to develop new products and enter new markets.

“The agri-food sector internationally is changing rapidly, with an enhanced consumer demand for sustainable production.

“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. A more competitive meat and dairy processing sector will help to support the economic, environmental and social sustainability of farmers as our primary producers.”

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.”

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.