A call for proposals for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives under the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF) has been announced.
Agri-food tourism is defined as the practice of offering one or more activities as part of a visit to areas of well-known agricultural produce and to sample and taste the local or regional cuisine or specialties. These includes a wide variety of activities that involve links between agriculture and the food produced at the local or regional level, such as; staying on farm or touring food trails and events, participation in agricultural endeavours or buying produce direct from a farm or market. Agri-food tourism also encompasses local food, farmer and artisan market schemes that support and are paired with local and seasonal food producers and artisan crafts.
This latest call aims to continue to developing links between local food and tourism offerings in accordance with the Food Vision 2030 strategy. This includes backing for business development and marketing initiatives to support and promote food and drink visitor attractions.
Total funding of almost €300,000 is available for projects supporting agri-food tourism initiatives which may also include rural food markets. The maximum amount payable to any project is €25,000.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, T.D. said at the announcement of the call for proposals: “Tourism and the agri-food sector share close ties and complement each other well. This funding provides support towards the development of agri-food tourism initiatives to help rural businesses develop their products and services, connect with the community and visitors and improve the rural experience. 2024 saw some great projects developed under this scheme, I am sure 2025 will build on with opportunities to progress projects further and create new experiences.”
Applications should be made via the Call for Proposals application form which is available here.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 24th February 2025.
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