Funding boost for agri-tourism

A MULTIMILLION-EURO allocation toward the development of agri-tourism and related activities under the rural development programme will hopefully lead to significant advances in the sector over the coming years, according to Labour agriculture spokesman Seán Sherlock.

He said farming families should see the benefit of the scheme, which is promoting diversification into non-agricultural activities and encouraging agri-tourism such as arts and crafts, speciality food provision, open farms and use of forests.

If properly utilised, the funding, which amounts to roughly €10 million a year over the next five years, will provide a further potential income stream for farm families.