Awards scheme for innovative agri-businesses

WEXFORD AGRI-Companies are being encouraged to enter this year’s Innovation Arena Awards as part of the National Ploughing Championships.

The awards scheme is being initiated by the Government through Enterprise Ireland and will culminate at the championships venue in Screggan, between September 18 and 21.

Minister Paul Kehoe is encouraging businesses across County Wexford to enter and in doing so complimented the ‘huge talent’ that exists in the sector here.

‘The Awards are open to companies in the agri sector as well as related sub-sectors like agri-tech and agri-engineering.’ he said.

He said the Innovation Arena is ‘a great opportunity’ for people in Wexford with a good business idea to showcase their product at one of Europe’s largest outdoor events.

This year’s Arena will also feature a conference venue where companies will be able to launch new products and present them to potential international buyers.

‘Over 100 buyers from all over the globe attended last year so, without doubt, local companies should consider taking part,’ said Minister Kehoe.

There will also be seminars on key issues facing the sector.

Judging for the awards will take place at the Arena throughout the three-day event and there will be an overall prize fund of €80,000 in supports.

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

All finalists will receive an advertising voucher to promote their business through The Irish Farmers Journal and a subsidised stand in the Innovation Arena. The final participants will be selected on June 23.

For more information on the scheme log onto www. innovationarena.ie