Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme opens for applications
Date published:
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has announced the opening of the 2026-27 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
The programme will continue to provide support for the delivery of high impact projects that will raise the profile of high quality local food and drink. However, for this year, the NIRFP has been enhanced to widen participation and support a broader range of applicants and projects, all of which must contribute to the outcomes of the Food Strategy Framework (FSF) and Food Action Plan (FAP). Applications are invited from not-for-profit groups and organisations as well as registered charities.
In 2026-27 the NIRFP will open for two tranches as follows:
- Tranche 1 will be open for applications between 8 – 29 April 2026 (inclusive) for projects taking place between 1 May 2026 to 30 September 2026.
- Tranche 2 will be open for applications between 20 July – 10 August 2026 (inclusive) for projects taking place between 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
The enhanced NIRFP will focus on funding projects which have the potential to deliver progress towards achievement of the strategic priorities of the Food Strategy Framework and Food Action Plan. As such, the objectives of the enhanced NIRFP have been updated to clearly set out this ambition as follows:
- To raise awareness of the importance of locally produced, nutritious food and how a healthy balanced diet can improve health outcomes & overall wellbeing.
- To increase the environmental sustainability and resilience of local agri-food supply chains.
- To support the development of a local agri-food sector that encourages sustainability, opportunity, innovation and prosperity.
- To promote NI food & drink and in doing so, contribute to building a food culture and food conscious society.
Since its inception, the programme has supported many local events and initiatives by providing financial support in three key areas - regional fairs/exhibitions, seminars/workshops, and information programmes, all of which have promoted Northern Ireland’s high quality food and drink.
Applications are now open for projects taking place between 1 May 2026 and 30 September 2026. Applications must be submitted by 4:00pm on Wednesday 29 April 2026. Awards will be subject to budget availability.
Download the Application Form and Guidance Notes.
Notes to editors:
1. Grant funding is available at up to 40% of eligible project expenditure for regional fairs/exhibitions, seminars/workshops and information programmes. All projects must raise the profile of NI regional food and contribute to the outcomes of the NI Food Strategy Framework.
2. Only not-for-profit groups with a Northern Ireland membership, registered charities or not-for-profit regional development agencies e.g. Borough or District Councils are eligible to apply. Applications for collaborative ventures involving two or more eligible organisations working together to deliver the objectives of the Programme are encouraged.
3. Closing date for completed applications is 4:00pm on Wednesday 29 April 2026.
4. Application forms can be downloaded at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-regional-food-programme.
5. Copies of the Food Action Plan, as well as the NI Food Strategy Framework can be found on the DAERA website at:
6. Follow DAERA on X formerly called Twitter and Facebook.
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.