Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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48. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the funding streams that are available to agri-food tourism projects under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund; if he intends to expand this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37576/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to supporting the agri-food tourism industry. It marries our great food producers with our excellent tourism industry. The two sectors work very well together and compliment each other perfectly.

Under the 2022 Rural Innovation and Development Fund, funding of €299,176 has been made available to 19 agri-food tourism projects.

This initiative highlights the importance of agri-food tourism in rural areas as it allows food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine. It also provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans, to develop their products and services, connect with the community and visitors, and improve skills and best practice.

The fund enables the Government to support these initiatives in the agri-food tourism sector and it builds on the progress already made in this area. There is a great geographical spread of projects this year which highlights the interest throughout the country. Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism and the projects aided by the fund are examples of this.