Access innovation support for your production horticulture business
Date published:
Commercial horticulture businesses across Northern Ireland are invited to attend an upcoming online information event to learn more about the Innovation Driver and Support Horticulture Pilot Scheme.
The online information event will be hosted using MS Teams, on Thursday 20 August at 7:00pm for growers wishing to learn more about the scheme and application process. The event will provide growers with an overview of the scheme and the opportunities available to support innovation within the horticulture sector. It will offer practical guidance for businesses considering the development or adoption of innovative ideas that are new to Northern Ireland.
Promoting the online event, Kieran Lavelle, Senior Adviser at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) said: “The event will provide an opportunity for growers to find out how the scheme can help bring innovative concepts from idea to implementation, while also allowing participants to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the requirements of the scheme.”
The Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme aims to encourage innovation and help commercial horticulture businesses explore new systems, technologies and crops that have the potential to improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. As part of the online event, attendees will receive information on the Expression of Interest application process and the support available throughout the application stage. The expression of interest form is available on the following link: https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-support/knowledge-transfer-programmes/horticulture-pilot-scheme/
The application process will be delivered in two stages. The Expression of Interest phase will remain open until Friday 4 September 2026 and will be used to assess industry interest and determine eligibility. A full application process will follow in the autumn.
Further information on the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme, being offered by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) including guidance on submitting an Expression of Interest, is available in the Business Support area the CAFRE website.
The online information event, hosted using MS Teams, will take place on Thursday 20 August at 7.00pm for growers wishing to learn more about the scheme and application process. To access the online event please visit the CAFRE website.
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