Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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843. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports which are currently available to farmers seeking to diversify into agritourism; his plans to introduce new measures in view of the potential economic impact of the loss of the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62734/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Agri-food tourism is a form of rural tourism that combines agriculture, food production and tourism. It allows visitors to experience rural life, local food systems and traditional farming or food-making practices.

My Department, through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF), provides funding for Agri-food tourism projects.

Funding of almost €300,000 has been allocated in 2025 through the RIDF. 22 successful projects are being funded, with a maximum of €25,000 per application available. Similar funding levels are provided in respect of 2026.

Each year, in January, a call for proposals is published by RIDF section. Department staff and an external expert from Failte Ireland review and evaluate each project independently and collectively to reach agreement on the projects to be funded.

The projects selected include a wide variety of activities that involve the links between agriculture and the food produced at the local or regional level and allow for diversification on farms to make use of the opportunities that exist in the agri-tourism sphere.

In relation to the nitrates derogation, I fully understand its value to Ireland, to the 7,000 farmers who avail of it annually, and the wider agricultural community.

Approximately half of dairy farms in Ireland and two thirds of national milk production is produced on farms that have an organic nitrogen stocking rate of greater than 170 kg per hectare.

Not only does the Nitrates Derogation have significant economic value for Ireland’s rural economy; it also has significant environmental value as farmers who avail of it must meet higher environmental standards. The derogation also contributes to engagement and buy-in regarding improving water quality across the entire agri-food sector.

These environmental and economic reasons have made securing an extension to our Nitrates Derogation a key Government priority.

Across Government, and at official level, we are working constructively to ensure Ireland makes the best case possible to secure Ireland's next Nitrates Derogation, as committed to in the Programme for Government.