Ballyhoura Development is encouraging all local artisan, micro, and small food businesses across the Ballyhoura area to avail of the €5 million LEADER Food Initiative.

The funding is designed to assist artisan, micro, and small food enterprises who wish to invest in their businesses. Many food businesses face enormous change and challenges, as the Irish and EU economies emerge from the twin challenges of Brexit and COVID19. Facing these challenges will require increased investment in innovation, product development, supply chains, and market development.

Acknowledging the pressure Food businesses are under, the LEADER Food Initiative has increased the maximum level of financing available with a revised rate of aid of 75%. With a range of supports available for training, market research, feasibility, and capital investment, including funding up to €200,000, the LEADER Food initiative has proven to be a real catalyst for successful artisan, micro, and small food enterprises in recent years.

"Ballyhoura Development are delighted to see an increase, both in the size of the overall fund and in the maximum rate of aid. There has been a great uptake locally of the LEADER Food Initiative to date and the continued funding will be available to assist small local food producers to develop new products, new routes to sell their produce, and to support the rural economy at this critical time.”  stated Padraig Casey, Ballyhoura Development CEO.

Food start-ups, artisan, micro, and small food businesses are encouraged to contact Ballyhoura Development through any of the local community offices or through the website, www.ballyhouradevelopment.com to understand more about the opportunities under the LEADER Food Initiative and how their business may access available supports.

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