The Department of Agriculture has issued a call for proposals for food waste reduction initiatives under the 2021 Rural Innovation and Development Fund.

Total funding available is €180,000 for proposals relating to the promotion and/or development of innovative food waste reduction projects, which are designed to reduce food waste generated in rural areas.

The maximum amount that will be paid to any project is €60,000 and funding will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said: “This funding will further enhance the work previously funded to identify, target and address what is a rapidly growing issue, not just here in Ireland but globally.

“Ireland generates over 1 million tonnes of food waste each year. These initiatives will serve to address the overall objective of energising the rural economy by encouraging innovative job creation and sustainable enterprise development.”

The deadline for submission of applications is noon on 14 April. Proposals will be assessed through a competitive process for funding of proposed projects.

Applications should be made via the Call for Proposals application form which is available here.