The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) is offering grants of up to €250,000 to support businesses to develop new markets, according to a statement published on Gov.ie.
Details
Irish agri-food companies of all sizes are being encouraged to apply for grant funding to explore and seize opportunities to develop new markets in Africa, according to the statement published on Gov.ie, which also said that the AADP has launched its latest call for applications which remains open until 30 April.
Additionally, the statement published on Gov.ie said that the AADP offers Irish agri-businesses an opportunity to develop and harness the potential from partnerships with companies in sub-Saharan African countries, providing matched funding grant support of up to €250,000 to Irish companies.
Minister of State at Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, said:
“A large part of the success resulting from this AADP funding, is the partnerships that have been created with local companies in Africa. By learning from each other, both partners have discovered opportunities that have delivered significant benefits, not only in supporting sustainable growth of the local food industry, and building markets for local produce, but also in supporting mutual trade between Ireland and Africa.”
Statement By Minister of State
The statement published on Gov.ie included a statement from Minister of State with responsibility for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora Colm Brophy TD, in which he said, "Over the past 50 years we have transformed our food system in Ireland, from subsistence farming to a food island with world leading agri-food businesses. Through the AADP, we are enabling the sharing of Irish business knowledge and expertise with partners in Africa. This allows a win-win outcome, supporting Irish companies looking to grow and African companies looking for investment or know-how.
"The AADP has a long record of success. It has encouraged Irish companies to invest in Africa. It has matched African companies with Irish partners, helping make their business propositions more sustainable. At a time when questions of food security are on our global agenda, the AADP allows Irish businesses interest in investing in Africa do so while at the same time building really positive impact for the African agri-food industry."
Additional Information
The statement published on Gov.ie added that the programme is a joint initiative between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), that further information is available at Gov.ie/aadp, and that those who have queries about or those who want to apply for AADP grant funding should e-mail [email protected].
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