€30,000 awarded to local agri-food tourism projects

Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary North, Ryan O’Meara, has welcomed the announcement of €300,000 in funding for 22 local agri-food tourism initiatives across the country, with €30,000 allocated to projects in County Tipperary.

Speaking following the announcement, Deputy O’Meara said, “Agri-food tourism plays a vital role in rural communities by giving our food producers, large and small, an opportunity to showcase the people, landscape, heritage, and culture that make their agricultural and culinary offerings so unique.

“This funding also provides a significant boost for rural enterprises, including farmers, producers, and artisans. It supports business diversification, strengthens community connections, attracts visitors, and enhances skills and best practices in the sector.”

Of the €300,000 in national funding, 10% has been awarded to Tipperary-based projects, a proportion Deputy O’Meara describes as “encouraging and reflective of the county’s strong presence in this growing sector.”

The Tipperary projects receiving funding are:
• Destination Lough Derg – €10,000
• Ailbhe Gerrard, Field Exchange, Nenagh – €10,000 (for a Food and Craft Festival)
• Tipperary Food Producers Network – €10,000 (for Food Tourism development)

Agri-food tourism encompasses a wide range of activities that connect visitors with local agriculture and culinary heritage. It may include farm stays, food trails, festivals, agricultural tours, or direct sales of local produce.

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This type of tourism celebrates local and seasonal food, supports artisan producers, and promotes regional identity through authentic food experiences.

Concluding, Deputy O’Meara stated, “I look forward to continuing to work with the Minister on the implementation of Food Vision 2030, our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector. This strategy highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and tourism, and will ensure that projects like these continue to receive the support they deserve.”