Innovation support for Production Horticulture

Date published: 3 August 2026

The process incorporated the use of a drone and a remote-controlled ground sprayer. The advantages offered through this spray application technique include avoiding soil compaction, particularly during periods of high rainfall, providing excellent tree canopy coverage, and a reduction in labour requirements.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) recognises developing and introducing innovative ideas can be challenging to implement. Through the Innovation Driver and Support Scheme, part of the Horticulture Pilot Scheme, production horticulture businesses are invited to consider adopting innovative measures to improve production efficiencies.

This Scheme will help businesses explore innovative opportunities to strengthen resilience and support the long-term sustainable growth of the production horticulture sector. The Innovation Driver and Support Scheme forms part of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, which brings together a range of measures designed to support a thriving and resilient agri-food industry.

Speaking about the scheme, Kieran Lavelle, Senior Adviser at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) said: “This pilot scheme offers financial support to production horticultural businesses introducing innovative technologies, systems and crops that have not previously been used in Northern Ireland. The orchard spraying demonstration is one such example. The aim of the Scheme is to help businesses improve both productivity and sustainability through encouraging innovation across the sectors.

“I am delighted that commercial horticulture production businesses now have an opportunity to access support through the Innovation Driver and Support Scheme that can help them explore new possibilities, strengthen competitiveness, and build for the future.” 

Production horticulture businesses are encouraged to complete an expression of interest detailing how their proposal represents a new crop, technology, or system for Northern Ireland and how it could contribute to future growth and development within the sector. The expression of interest form is available on the CAFRE website

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. 

Applications will be assessed against selection criteria to ensure proposals with the greatest potential impact are prioritised. Funding will be limited to one successful application per business, and multiple applications for the same crop, technology, or system will not be supported. 

Further information on the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme, including guidance on submitting an Expression of Interest, is available on the CAFRE website. 

An 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.