The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has unveiled the recipients of a recent call for innovative proposals aimed at enhancing returns for primary producers through short supply chains. This initiative aligns with government commitments to bolster local markets and sustainability. Each project stands to receive up to €150,000 in grant aid.
Minister of State Pippa Hackett emphasized the benefits of short supply chains, noting their positive impact on local economies and the environment by reducing transportation emissions. She highlighted the potential for closer consumer-producer relationships and increased awareness of food sourcing and production processes.
Out of 90 applicants, 16 projects were selected to receive funding over the next two years. These diverse initiatives span various sectors, from food redistribution to community gardens and markets. Here are some of the successful projects:
– FoodCloud: Enhancing retail solutions by redistributing surplus food
– Limerick Community Grocery: Showcasing organic food in a daycare setting
– Foroige: Developing a public green space for food growing and biodiversity
– Feighcullen Farms: Automating an on-farm poultry abattoir to expand business
– Street Feast CLG: Supporting communities to grow, cook, and eat together
– Transition Town Kinsale: Establishing a sustainable community garden and knowledge hub
– Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí: Promoting organic hill sheep farming
– Bia Dingle: Establishing a year-round marketplace
– West Limerick Resources: Building foundations for a Mid-West Bio District
– Spraoi agus Spórt: Establishing a Local Growers Network and Supplier Market
– Irish Organic Milk Suppliers Co-op: Supporting Ireland’s organic dairy sector
– BRILL Family Resource Centre: Developing community allotments and a farmers market
– Green Skibbereen CECAS: Establishing a Community Produce Shop
– Newbard Farm: Consultation for a meat processing facility
– Cloughjordan Community Farm: Expanding an online farmers’ market
– Derrybeg Farm CSA: Creating a model for sustainable organic food production
Minister Hackett commended the diversity of the selected projects, which range from grassroots initiatives to strategic efforts like establishing Ireland’s first biodistrict. She expressed optimism for the positive impact these projects will have in driving change over the coming years.
