€1m for agricultural shows across the country

As part of the initiative, 122 shows will receive a grant of €6,000-€11,000 depending on their size.

Cal Power of Cork City pictured at the Cork Summer Show 2023. Picture: Clare Keogh

€1m in support for 122 agricultural shows in 2024 has been announced.

As part of the initiative, each show will receive a grant of €6,000-€11,000 depending on their size.

This will support each committee to prepare for the upcoming show season, which takes place over the summer months.

The funding brings the total allocated to agricultural shows since 2018 to over €4.3m.

Country life

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys made the announcement as she launched the 2024 Yearbook for the Irish Shows Association (ISA).

"Our agricultural shows play a vital role in community life and raise awareness of the important role agriculture plays in our society," the minister said.

These shows are the threads that build bridges between our towns and villages, and the hinterlands that support them. 

"They act as a platform for local producers to showcase their products and have become a key date in the calendar for the farming community. 

"Our shows sum up all that is good about country life and I’m delighted to support them."

This year’s €1m allocation builds on the record allocation of €1m made in 2023.

The Department of Rural and Community Development will work with the ISA to administer the scheme for 2024.

Environment

The department, together with the ISA, are encouraging participating shows to be more environmentally aware in delivering their shows.

Initiatives in the areas of waste management, responsible printing, use of single-use plastics, and appropriate traffic management should all be considered with a view to showcasing best practice in the area of event management and becoming more sustainable, the department said.

“I would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the show committees, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and local organisations that play a role in each of these shows. The shows would just not happen without their support," Ms Humphreys added.

“I hope to attend a number of the shows around the country this year. I would encourage everyone to go along to their local show - you will be surprised with all that the agricultural shows have to offer.”