Mayo small food firms are being offered an opportunity to use the expertise of research teams at 40 colleges and universities to expand their business and help secure jobs in our communities, according to local Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary TD.  

“Mayo has a growing reputation for the production of high quality food. The sector provides a significant amount of jobs in the county and the firms involved are now being invited to apply for Innovation Vouchers, valued up to €5,000, which can in turn be used to effectively buy expertise from colleges across the country.”

“The vouchers can be used by the companies to use researchers to help develop new products, to improve existing production or other processes. It will help companies to overcome some of the business and technology challenges theyare currently facing.”

“It is important that the voucher scheme is wide ranging so that as many local companies as possible can avail of it. The scheme does include beverages, bakery, animal food producers, horticulture, poultry, as well as seafood, dairy and other foods.”

“The vouchers are being made available over the next six weeks. Mayo firms can apply for their vouchers at www.innovationvouchers.ie or by contacting Pat O’Brien at Enterprise Ireland on 01 7272766.

“I would urge all local food firms to take time out and examine if they are eligible for support, and if they are eligible, to apply at an early date”, concluded Minister Dara Calleary TD.