The Government has announced a new investment of €32m in the agri-food sector.
It said the investment will ensure the delivery of 12 capital projects in primary food plants across the country.
This is the second funding announcement under the €100m Capital Investment Scheme for the Processing and Marketing of Agriculture products.
In total the scheme, when complete, will have backed 34 projects with total public and private investment of more than €420m, of which the 12 capital projects in this second funding phase will account for €160m.
The scheme, which is administered by Enterprise Ireland, will will assist companies to strengthen their operational capability and pursue product and market diversification strategies and will support the long-term future of our vital agri-food sector.
"Our agri-food sector employs 165,000 people in every county in Ireland and is a key driver of local economic prosperity," said Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney.
"The Government is determined to support the long-term, sustainable future of the sector as it responds to consumer demand and seeks to diversify both its products and its markets," he added.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue said it is crucial to "futureproof" the sector.
"There are challenges facing our food producers, including input costs, changing consumer demand and our changed trading relationship with the UK.
"The sector has proved remarkably resilient in tackling these challenges," he said.
"This funding support will ensure that food companies can invest in ambitious strategies for future value growth in established and emerging markets and with product innovations that match changing consumer demand.
"It is critical that these investments are used to help drive greater returns for farm families and primary producers," he added.
