Minister announces the opening of the 2021/22 NI Regional Food Programme

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced the opening of the 2021/22 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP), providing support of £300k to help raise the profile of quality regional food.

Applications are invited from not-for-profit groups & regional development agencies as well as registered charities.

The Minister said: “This is an important and welcome funding programme within our food and drink sector that encourages collaboration between all sectors and representative bodies within the local food industry.

"As our industry begins a path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the programme will also provide support for a consumer focused promotional campaign. This campaign will cover all sectors of the NI food industry highlighting the quality, sustainability and reputation of the food that is produced on local farms."

The 2021/22 programme also offers financial support in three other key areas - regional fairs/exhibitions, seminars/workshops, information programmes.

Applications are now open for projects taking place from 14 June 2021 to 31 March 2022, and must be submitted by 12 noon on Wednesday 26 May 2021. Awards will be subject to budget availability.

Application forms can be downloaded from the DAERA website.

Notes to editors: 

1. The NI Regional Food Programme was established as part of the implementation of The Fit for Market Report, which was published by the Food Strategy Group in November 2004.

2. Successful applications to the Programme can obtain up to 40% financial contributions on eligible project expenditure for regional fairs/exhibitions, seminars/workshops, information programmes; and 80% for the generic agri-food sector promotional campaign.

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 encouraged.

4. Closing date for completed applications will be 12 noon on Wednesday 26th May 2021.

5. An application form for funding can be downloaded from the DAERA website or obtained via:

NIRFP Management Team
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Room 518
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 3SB
Tel: 028 9052 4497
Email us

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7. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office

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.

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