Ministers Launch North/South Innovation Awards

This year’s JFC Innovation Awards for Rural Business were launched at a tri-lateral meeting on Agriculture and Rural Development issues at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan.

The JFC Innovation awards, organised by Teagasc, DARD and the Farmers Journal, were launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Northern Ireland, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D. today, Friday, 19 September.

The aim of the Awards is to motivate rural entrepreneurs to take an innovative approach to new business and help them turn their business idea into a reality. The overall prize fund for the competition is valued at €40,000. This includes cash prizes totalling €12,000 provided by JFC Manufacturing, advertising in the Irish Farmers’ Journal for winners valued at €16,000, and mentoring and business support from DARD and Teagasc worth €16,000.

Speaking at the launch Minister Brendan Smith said: “Innovation in rural Ireland and the role of the local economy in providing long term sustainable jobs has never been more important. Over the past three years, achieving in the JFC Innovation Awards for Rural Business has given confidence, national recognition and practical support to many new rural businesses in areas as diverse as small scale manufacturing, energy, speciality food, services and tourism. These businesses are an inspiration for the future.”

Finalists in these awards, not only benefit financially but also from mentoring, national promotion and networking. Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D. said; “I am delighted to see that all participants get the opportunity to meet with an expert judging panel for valuable feedback on their plans. This can only help them in their business development. I would like to encourage anyone who is exploring a new business idea in rural Ireland or has recently started trading to consider entering this exciting competition.”