€250,000 fund for start-up agri-business – Barry

Fine Gael TD for Cork East and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Barry TD, has today (Tuesday) called for applicants for the new Enterprise Ireland €250,000 Competitive Feasibility Fund launched by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD at the National Ploughing Championships. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 21 October 2014.

“The new Competitive Feasibility Fund is aimed at stimulating start-ups in the agri-business sector. As a tillage farmer myself, I can testify to the value of new technology and ideas in assisting farmers. Farming is evolving and changing, and like every business, there are always new processes that can positively impact on productivity and make life a little easier.

“The amazing thing about the agri-business sector is its variety. This fund could potentially assist machine manufacturers, engineers, farm-related software developers, animal health practitioners, those involved in agri-food and many others.

“The fund can provide up to €25,000 per project and it is intended that new start-up companies or entrepreneurs will use the money to investigate the viability of an idea. The funding will allow those involved to fully assess where the business could go and develop strategies.

“Since coming into Government, job creation has been a central goal and the Competitive Feasibility Fund is another key measure of the Action Plan for Jobs which has created over €72,000 jobs since 2012. It is a priority to secure the recovery and supporting agri-business is a part of this.

“I would encourage all those involved in agri-business trying to get a business or an idea off the ground to utilise this fantastic opportunity.”