Localagri-companies urgedtoapplyforthe innovationarena

AGRI- COMPANIES in Wexford are being urged to apply for the Innovation Arena Awards, which will take place at the National Ploughing Championships.

Minister of State with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, said there is ‘ huge talent’ in Wexford, adding that his message to businesses is simple: Get your applications in.

‘ The awards are open to companies in the agri sector as well as related subsectors like agri-tech and agri-engineering.

‘ The Innovation Arena is a great opportunity for anyone in Wexford who has a good business idea to showcase their product at Europe’s largest outdoor event. Crucially, through the awards, it offers the potential to become the next big success story in Irish business.’

This year’s Arena will also feature a conference venue where companies can launch new products and present to international buyers. Over 100 buyers from all over the globe attended last year so, without a doubt, local companies should consider taking part this year.

Minister Kehoe said there will also be a range of seminars on key issues affecting the sector including Brexit and Global Markets. ‘It goes without saying that there is no place where this is more relevant than in counties like Wexford’, he said.

The overall start-up winner will win an award of up to €15,000 through Enterprise Ireland and The Irish Farmers Journal, which includes advertising and PR support, mentoring and a cash prize of €5,000.

For more information on this year’s Innovation Arena Awards visit www.innovationarena.ie.