A public call for innovative proposals to maximise the return to primary producers from short supply chains has been announced.

This call for the period 2024-2026 is open for applications until 11 October 2024, with grants available up to €150,000 per project.

Launching the call, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, said:

“This call delivers on a number of Programme for Government commitments around promoting short supply chains and premium sustainable markets closer to home for Irish producers. Short supply chains bolster local economies and also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing transportation emissions. Shortening the distance from farm to fork has real potential to foster greater connection between consumers and producers and a greater appreciation of where our food comes from and the work that goes into producing it.”

The five themes under the call are:

• Develop premium sustainable markets closer to home for Irish producers. Promote short, efficient routes to market that connect small food producers to the consumer and provide advisory, investment and marketing support for those who wish to diversify into new products.

• Encourage collaboration among stakeholders including producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to optimise supply chain efficiency.

• Support small food producers, providing support for on-farm diversification enterprises and investment in local processing facilities, allowing farmers to sell their products into the local and wider domestic markets

• Encourage and support local authorities to expand the number of farmers’ markets, farm shops and food emporiums, and support the formation of community-owned markets in all towns, showcasing local food produce from local farmers, growers and food producers.

• Work with local authorities and local communities to develop community gardens, allotments and urban orchards.

Applications can be emailed to organicpolicy@agriculture.gov.ie or sent by post to Organic Policy Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford.

The application form and technical specifications are available on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website.