Funding of €120,000 has been announced for a ‘sustainable marketplace’ at Carndonagh Garden Centre & Nursery.
The initiative, led by Spraoi agus Spórt, will establish a local growers network, supplier market, and social supermarket for the local community.
The garden centre came under new management in December when owners Danny and Mary McLaughlin took retirement after 28 years in business.
Soon, it will become a new hub for promoting short supply chains for Irish producers.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, announced the funding for several innovative short supply chain proposals nationwide and said: “This call delivered on a number of Programme for Government commitments around promoting short supply chains and premium sustainable markets closer to home for Irish producers. Short supply chains bolster local economies and also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing transportation emissions. Shortening the distance from farm to fork has real potential to foster greater connection between consumers and producers, and a greater appreciation of where our food comes from and the work that goes into producing it. “
The Minister continued “I was very pleased that there were over 90 applications to the call and I want to thank all those who made the effort to apply. 16 successful projects will benefit from funding over the next two years, but the number of applications shows the appetite around the country for projects of this nature and the very many ideas that are out there. The successful projects are diverse, ranging from community allotments and markets to supporting the redistribution of food and reducing waste. We will also see the foundations laid for Ireland’s first ever biodistrict as a result of this funding, and I am looking forward to seeing these projects deliver meaningful results and impetus for change over the next two years. ”
