Funding call for NI Food Strategy Framework
Date published:
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has announced a funding call for applications to increase awareness, embed and support the implementation of the NI Food Strategy Framework and the Food Action Plan opens Monday 2 June 2025.
Applications are invited from not-for-profit organisations, registered charities and local authorities. Funding will be provided through a new second strand of the NI Regional Food Programme.
Welcoming the opening of the Programme, Minister Muir said: “Collaboration will be key to the delivery of the Food Action Plan. I am therefore delighted to seek proposals from organisations interested in bringing the Action Plan to life. I would encourage stakeholders to consider the actions they can take that will ensure that our food positively impacts on the health of our people, our planet and of our future prosperity.
"This funding call is a significant step towards the implementation of the Executive’s Food Strategy Framework Action Plan.”
Applications are open on Monday 2 June for projects taking place from 15 July 2025 to 31 March 2026, and must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday 25 June 2025. A total fund of up to £250,000 is available which may be awarded to one or more projects.
Applications for funding must complement the Executive’s Food Strategy Framework, published by Minister Muir in November 2024. They must also detail how they will contribute to increasing awareness amongst stakeholders of the Food Action Plan’s three missions.
• Mission One - To use Food to Improve Lifelong Health and Wellbeing.
• Mission Two - To Support Environmentally Sustainable, Safe and Ethical Agri-food Supply Chains.
• Mission Three - To Further Develop Sustainable Economic Prosperity Within the Agri-food Sector.
Projects should also seek to build capacity among stakeholders to take steps that help deliver these missions.
Further information, including the Application Form and Guidance Notes are available to download from the DAERA website.
Notes to editors:
1. Copies of the Food Action Plan, as well as the NI Food Strategy Framework can be found on the DAERA website.
2. Successful applications to Strand Two of the Programme can obtain up to 80% financial contributions on eligible project expenditure for projects embedding and supporting the implementation of the NI Food Strategy Framework and the Food Action Plan.
3. Scheme rules mean that only not-for-profit groups with a Northern Ireland membership, registered charities or not-for-profit regional development agencies that plan to deliver projects that raise the profile of NI regional food can apply. Applications for collaborative ventures involving two or more eligible organisations working together to deliver the objectives of the Programme are welcome.
4. Closing date for completed applications is 4pm on Wednesday 25 June 2025.
5. An application form for funding can be downloaded from the DAERA website or obtained from the contact details below:
NIRFP Management Team
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
First Floor
Clare House
303 Airport Road West
Belfast
BT3 9ED
Telephone: 028 9052 4497
Email: agrifoodsupportbranch@daera-ni.gov.uk
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7. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
8. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.