Happy days ! Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced today (6th March, 2012) that €5 million in funding will be provided in 2012/2013 to support the creation and development of Agri-Food enterprises in rural Ireland. Based on recent research conducted by the Local Development sector this funding has the potential to create more than 200 jobs directly…

South China University of Technology (SCUT) is establishing a new Food Engineering Research Centre. SCUT is now recruiting high-talented researchers internationally to join the Centre. Further details on the vacancies can be found at http://222.201.132.23:8088/article/art624.htm Please note that applications should be sent directly to Prof Xin-An Zeng in SCUT at xazeng@scut.edu.cn before 15 February…

The conference will be on Wednesday, 14 September 2011 & located at the Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort which is in Limerick Junction, Co. Tipperary. See http://www.teagasc.ie/events/2011/20110817a.asp for details

There are great supports available, check out details on www.bordbiavantage.ie and sign up for events and news

The annual Blas na hEireann National Irish Food Awards celebrate and reward the very best of Irish produce, and the passionate, driven individuals behind it. With Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in more than 30 product categories, this years awards will also include 'Best Irish Artisan Company' Award amongst others. Held as part of the annual Dingle Peninsula Food & Wine Festival, the winners of…

Mayo Alive 2011 is happening on the 19th of June from 12pm to 6pm in the Dublin City Council Amphitheatre and also across Fishamble Street at the junction of Cows Lane and West Essex street in Temple Bar. Mayo Alive Festival 2011 is all about bringing "the best of Mayo" to Irelands Capital for a day of celebration and promotion! The concept is that people who attend the event will have an opportunity…

A dedicated area has recently been set up on our website, www.fsai.ie, on starting up a new food business. This is a valuable resource for anyone seeking information in relation to establishing a food venture. The new web page was set up in response to the notable increase over recent years in the number of calls from people wishing to set up a new food business in Ireland. For full story go to…

06-Apr Grow your Business - Sales and Marketing, Foxford 9.30 - 4.30; 12-Apr IT for Small Food Producers, Venue to be confirmed, 9.30 - 4.30; 18-Apr Innovation and Product Development Techniques, Venue to be confirmed, 9.30 - 4.30; 19-Apr Social Media Marketing, Venue to be confirmed,9.30 - 4.30

21st & 28th March (2 evenings) Primary Course Food Hygiene, 6-10pm in Ballyhaunis Enterprise Centre; 24-Mar Financial Management Ballyhaunis Enterprise Centre 30-Mar Food Safety - HACCP Foxford Leisure Centre All enquiries about training should go directly to Louise: louiseakennedy@gmail.com Phone (086) 170 6939

I visited Source Sligo this week and had a tour around the Cookery School - wow! Its absolutely state of the art, great facilities and with an amazing view down O'Connell Street. There are loads of courses lined up so check it out on www.sourcesligo.ie or give them a call here at Source Sligo 071 9142983 or 087 1710957.