Exploitation of Agricluture, Forestry and Fisheries Product Funds.

 

Donegal Local Development Company Ltd considered applications for the delivery of initiatives which focused on the exploitation of agriculture, forestry and fisheries products under the LEADER+ programme during the 2002-2006 period. The emphasis of the programme was on new know-how and technology in farm produce processing and marketing, and in the forestry, marine and organic farming sectors.

Projects under this action were truly innovative, and did not duplicate or displace existing schemes, programmes or initiatives. The Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies, placed considerable constraints on the types of project which could be grant aided in the agriculture and food sector. Projects proposed concerning food processing/manufacture were required to indicate how food safety legislation would also be met. Applications from small processing units concentrated in the main on servicing niche markets (e.g. for farmhouse cheeses, yoghurts, fruit preserves including health, and high value up-market brands, post-harvest horticultural product lines). All project proposals were assessed to ensure conformity with ‘Good Farming Practice’ environmental requirements. Milk quota position regulations were also considered where applicable

Projects concerning equine-related projects could only be considered in exceptional circumstances and in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Food, where these were tourism related, they were covered under the NRDP rather than LEADER+.

Grants Available 2000-2006

Grants were available up to a maximum of €65,000 (In exceptional circumstances aid of up to €100,000 may be granted.)