€17m in grant aid for food projects
This brings to €55m the total funding approved for the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM) under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
Grants being awarded cover themes across the food sector. In total, 132 proposals were received from universities, institutes of technology and Teagasc food research centres in response to an open call for proposals.
The proposals were evaluated by teams of external experts and submitted to the Food Institutional Research Measure Committee for decisions on selection and approval. Mr Walsh said the themes awarded funding include food safety, new and innovative food products, advanced food technologies, functional foods, consumer foods and beverages.
He paid tribute to the role of the food research institutions in assisting the development of a modern food industry.
Mr Walsh, speaking later at the publication of guides to the labelling of fruit juices and jams, jellies and marmalades in Dublin, said the booklets explain in a user-friendly manner the rules on labelling and composition for these products.
As from July of this year, only products which comply with the EU rules on labelling and standards may be marketed across the EU. The booklets will be distributed to producers, retailers, consumers and enforcement officers.
Mr Walsh welcomed the support of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
