Last updated 07/09/2020
Some agricultural and horticultural businesses have incurred financial losses as a result of short term market disturbance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 19th May, the NI Executive agreed a support package of £25M to help alleviate the emerging threat to NI farm incomes. Since then the Minister and DAERA officials have met with industry representatives and stakeholders to examine the nature and extent of the financial losses that have been incurred. There is clear acceptance of the need for support to be targeted at those farm businesses hardest hit financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the 30th June, the Minister announced those sectors that will be eligible for funding from the support package. The sectors to be supported are dairy, beef, sheep, potato and ornamental horticulture. The schemes that have been developed are targeted towards those most in need, is evidence-based and will be distributed on an equitable basis. Support is not based on location or on entire sectors.
Further information is available below: