Call for Applications: Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives (Ireland)

Deadline: 25-Feb-2026

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is offering grants of up to €25,000 for innovative, community-based agri-food tourism projects outside Ireland’s main urban centres. Projects should be self-sustainable, use local inputs, and support rural economic development, job creation, and the Food Vision 2030 Strategy. Eligible initiatives include farm-based tourism, eco-tourism, artisanal food production, and initiatives linking local food and tourism offerings.

Overview

The DAFM Agri-Food Tourism Grant program supports projects that:

• Promote innovative rural agri-food tourism initiatives

• Encourage job creation and enterprise development in rural areas

• Support primary producer diversification into rural, agri, and eco-tourism

• Strengthen linkages between local food producers and tourism offerings

• Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by:

  • Increasing productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers

  • Highlighting local culture and products

  • Promoting sustainable tourism

  • Supporting small-scale artisanal fishers in accessing marine resources and markets

Funding Details

• Maximum grant per project: €25,000

• Funding type: Part funding for current expenditure (not capital expenditure)

• Project completion: Must be operational or expected to be operational in 2026, with final payment by end of 2026

• Eligible expenses: Operational costs, project implementation, local food or craft sourcing

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be community-based organizations

• Demonstrate financial stability with supporting documentation (e.g., audited accounts for the last three years)

• Operate outside Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford

• Be able to complete projects within 2026

Additional Considerations

• Projects should use locally sourced inputs, such as food produce, crafts, or materials

• Applicants must demonstrate economic and financial capability to manage the project

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm eligibility of the organization and project location

2. Design a project aligned with rural economic development and Food Vision 2030 goals

3. Prepare a detailed proposal including objectives, timeline, operational costs, and evidence of financial stability

4. Submit application according to DAFM guidelines

5. Implement the project and ensure completion by the end of 2026

6. Provide evidence of expenditure for final payment processing

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Innovation and sustainability of the agri-food tourism initiative

• Impact on rural economic development and job creation

• Use of local inputs and support for small-scale producers

• Alignment with Food Vision 2030 Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals

• Feasibility and financial capacity of the applicant

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects within Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, or Waterford

• Submitting projects without clear operational plans for 2026

• Failing to demonstrate financial stability or provide supporting documentation

• Including capital expenditure in the funding request

• Ignoring local sourcing of inputs

Why This Program Matters

The DAFM agri-food tourism grants:

• Strengthen rural economies by supporting sustainable, community-led projects

• Promote innovation in agri-food tourism and eco-tourism

• Increase incomes for small-scale food producers and artisanal fishers

• Encourage linkages between food production and tourism, showcasing local culture and products

Conclusion

The DAFM Agri-Food Tourism Grant offers a practical funding opportunity for community organizations to implement innovative, sustainable tourism projects that boost rural economies, create jobs, and strengthen the link between local food production and tourism experiences. By prioritizing local sourcing, operational readiness, and alignment with national strategies, the program ensures high-impact outcomes for rural communities.

For more information, visit Gov.ie.