Developed by Local Enterprise Office Donegal as a programme to support development, growth and quality in Donegal’s food sector, we have been keen to ensure that The Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food Initiative – continues to create employment and contributes to sustaining the county’s local economy.
From the outset, the Food Coast has aimed to encourage and facilitate the establishment of new food opportunities in the county, while at the same time increasing the capability of existing food enterprises and food promoters within Donegal.
In a short space of time, it has become a central platform for establishing Donegal as a “Food County” – a place with a vibrant food culture and food economy and that’s something Local Enterprise Office, Donegal is determined to expand upon.
By supporting businesses in the food sector, by informing them about the programmes, training and events being rolled out by the agencies tasked with supporting and growing the industry – we aim to see The Food Coast continue to go from strength to strength.
In 2012, the Donegal County Enterprise Board, now Local Enterprise Office Donegal, commissioned the Donegal Food Strategy which set out a vision, strategic objectives and actions to achieve its goal of supporting the development, growth and quality of the county’s Food Sector. The vision in the strategy stated“ By working collectively, to make Donegal famous for food and recognised as a pioneering region for its approach to fostering and growing new start-up and existing food businesses ”.
From the outset, the Food Coast has aimed to encourage and facilitate the establishment of new food opportunities in the county, while at the same time increasing the capability of existing food enterprises and food promoters within Donegal.
By working collectively, to make Donegal famous for food and recognised as a pioneering region for its approach to fostering and growing new start-up and existing food businesses.
The strategy continues to be a key area of focus for the Local Enterprise Office in Donegal and the actions and activities outlined the strategy are ongoing. The Donegal Food Strategy is overseen by a steering group which is represented by stakeholders and businesses from the food sector.