Teagasc Welcome new Rural Development Funding

Teagasc has welcomed the announcement by the government of increased LEADER funding under the new Rural Development Programme. The announcement was made earlier today, Tuesday, 4 November, by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív TD. Funding of €425.4 million will be provided under the LEADER funding allocations under Axes 3 and 4 of the new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle welcomed the trebling of the level of funding available for the Rural Development programme saying that Teagasc will fully support the initiative over the next six years by encouraging and assisting farm families to participate fully in this important programme.

Teagasc is committed to helping to build sustainable rural communities through its innovative research, advisory and educational programmes. Head of Rural Development in Teagasc, Gerry Scully said; "The Teagasc Options Programme helps farm families to evaluate new opportunities to provide income support for their core farm enterprises. Teagasc already support farm families to diversify into new business areas, assisting them and mentoring them as they develop new start up businesses in rural communities. The LEADER funding announced today by Minister Ó Cuív will provide important seed capital for innovative, entrepreneurial farm families looking to diversify into new areas."

This is the largest ever package for rural development and the funding will be channelled through the new, integrated Local Action Groups to support and facilitate the continued development of rural communities all over Ireland.