Funding to boost agri-food tourism
LOCAL food producers have received a boost following the announcement that Taste Wexford is to receive €12,987 in funding from the 2020 Rural Innovation and Development Fund.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed announced County Wexford as one of 11 projects that will receive funding to promote and develop agri-food tourism in rural areas.
The Taste Wexford Agri-Food Tourism project will build on work funded by the Department and Wexford County Council over the last three years. It will focus on working with accommodation providers and food producers, creating new events for the national Fáilte Ireland ‘Taste the Island’ campaign.
Through its new self-guided map, this campaign will aim to help Ireland rediscover why Wexford is one of the best spots to holiday in the country. Taste Wexford will also work on building contacts with the international market and tour operators for 2021/2022.
On the announcement of the funding, Minister Creed said, ‘During these unprecedented times I am pleased to support these initiatives in the agri-food tourism sector and build on progress already made.
He said that Food Wise 2025, the 10-year plan for the agri-food sector, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism.
‘Agri-tourism is of great importance for rural areas in order to showcase their people, landscape, history and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine.’
In addition, Minister Creed said agri-tourism provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans, to ‘develop their products and services and connect with the community’.
Anthony O’Toole, co-founder of Taste Wexford and an international food and tourism advisor, said, ‘Before Covid-19 restrictions came into force on March 12, Wexford County Council, alongside Visit Wexford, was preparing to further develop and improve Wexford’s agri-tourism offering this year.
‘It is now more important for producers, craft makers, restaurants, retailers, accommodation providers, networks and communities – based locally, regionally and nationally – to work together and support each other.
With the help of funding and support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and state agencies such as Fáilte Ireland, he said it is becoming ‘easier’ for people across the island to enjoy Ireland’s food and drink ‘experiences’.
The County Wexford Food Tourism plan will be led by Jean O’Connell and Anthony O’Toole with support from the Taste Wexford Steering Group: Liz Hore, head of Enterprise at Wexford County Council; Billy Byrne, Visit Wexford’s tourism officer; Tom Bermingham, Wexford Local Development; Lorraine O’Dwyer, Gallivanting Tours; Maura Bell, manager of Irish National Heritage Park; Paula Asple, owner of The Wilds in Enniscorthy; and Andrea Molloy, chair of Wexford Food Family and co-owner of Drew Fox Brewing.
In total, funding of €197,500 has been made available to projects across the country, with Carlow County Council (Ireland South East Agri Food Tourism Cluster) receiving €12,987 and Waterford County Festival of Food receiving €24,802.75.