Funding of €70m has been announced for Ireland’s meat and dairy processors.
Following Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU) there are 22 projects in the dairy and meat sectors that have been identified for funding to help them diversify and develop.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he was “extremely proud” of the fact that Ireland produces enough food to feed nine times its population and the sector employs 165,000 people.
“This is a major investment in our agri-food industry which is the lifeblood of rural Ireland. We want to make sure these jobs are secure into the long term.
“It’s all about helping the industry to develop and diversify by moving up the value chain and gaining access to new markets including Asia and North America. It will benefit farmers and the wider industry,” he added.
The Tánaiste added that the funding will go directly to food producers and processors in the meat and dairy sectors to help them diversify and win new customers post-Brexit.
It will also help them prepare for a low-carbon future, in line with Ireland’s commitments on climate.
LSL News.