€5m fund to create agri-food enterprises

Funding of €5m in 2012/2013 for creation and development of rural agri-food enterprises has been announced by Phil Hogan, the environment minister.

This funding will bridge the gap left when this type of assistance was suspended in the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme in early 2011. It will be delivered via the Leader approach through the 35 local development companies contracted to deliver the Rural Development Programme.

Mr Hogan said: “Leader has a long and productive history of support for the agri-food sector in Ireland, and I am happy to announce this funding which will continue to ensure this support.