Ballyhoura Development have welcomed the call from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for Agri-Food Tourism proposals under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund.

Agri-food tourism is of increasing importance to the Ballyhoura area arising from the sustained growth of the local tourism sector and visitors increasingly aware of and demanding more information on local food producers.

In 2019, the scheme supported a number of rural food and tourism businesses across the Ballyhoura area to produce online video marketing content. This enabled several collaborations between local food and tourism businesses, and showcased local people, landscape, history and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine.

The current call is again seeking proposals from farmers, food producers and tourism providers to develop their products and services, connect with the community and visitors, and improve the rural experience.

The total funding available is €190,000 for projects supporting agri-food tourism initiatives (which may also include rural food markets), with the maximum amount payable to any project being €25,000.

If any community, farmer, food or tourism businesses would like further information on the Agri-Food Tourism Initiative, please contact your local Ballyhoura Development Officer to arrange a meeting.