Small food businesses are today being encouraged to apply for funding under the LEADER Food Initiative – a €5 million investment aimed at assisting businesses to deal with the challenges posed by Brexit and COVID-19.
The final call for applications was made by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and the Department of Agriculture. The funding will help artisan, micro and small food businesses to respond to challenges posed by Brexit and COVID-19, while also supporting diversification in agriculture. In December 2020, the government announced the extension of the LEADER Food Initiative into 2021.
As part of that announcement, the maximum rate of aid available to projects involving economic activity was increased from 50% to 75% for project applications received on or after 1st April 2021. Announcing the final call for applications, the Minister urged small food businesses to submit their applications.
The funding is made available via the LEADER Food Initiative and interested parties are advised to contact their local Leader Development Company. 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.
