Ludlow Food Festival: MP urges constituents to apply for food tourism aid

Philip Dunne is encouraging entries from people in south Shropshire for a new grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to champion British food tourism.

The competitive grant scheme is part of Defra's support for the Great British Food Campaign, launched earlier this year.

It will allow local community groups, trade bodies and others to band together and bid for up to £25,000 each, from a total of £150,000. But those wishing to apply have to act fast, as applications will close on September 26.

Mr Dunne said: "This grant could be tailor-made for the Ludlow constituency.

"We have some of the best food and drink producers in the country, which acts as a significant draw for tourists from all over the UK and overseas.

"From award winning producers to our highly successful food and drinks festivals, including the well-established Ludlow Food and Drink Festival this weekend, there are many ways this funding could be used locally.

"I hope we will see tourism and food and drinks groups come together to put forward a collaborative bid for this funding, which could further champion our area and potentially create new jobs."

The aims of the grant scheme are to increase the attractiveness of towns and villages as "food tourism" destinations, by enhancing its local identity and reputation; to extend the tourism season by supporting year-round food and drinks-based attractions such as trails, festivals, markets or other initiatives; and to increase the retention of tourism expenditures in the local economy.

For more information, including details of how to apply, visit www.greatbritishfoodcampaign.com