Regional Food Programme open for applications
Date published:
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has announced the opening of the 2025/26 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
The Programme provides support of up to £250,000 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.
Welcoming the opening of the Programme, Minister Muir said: “The programme provides a very important source of funding to help promote our food and drink sector. In line with the recently published NI Food Framework, it will encourage collaboration between all sectors and representative bodies within the local food industry through financial support to help showcase quality regional food.
“Last year, the Programme provided funding to 18 local projects including the Food Pavilion at Balmoral Show where over 100 food and drink producers from across NI were able to sell their produce direct to the public and also showcase to trade buyers.
“The food and drinks sector in Northern Ireland plays a critically important role in our local economy and I will continue to support the delivery of high quality, high impact projects that will raise the profile of local quality produce across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and GB.”
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.
In 2024/25 the NIRFP awarded funding to 18 projects, providing local producers with showcasing opportunities at a range of agri-food events across Northern Ireland.
Applications are now open for projects taking place between 1 May 2025 and 31 March 2026. Applications must be submitted by 4:00pm on Wednesday 16 April 2025. 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 and information programmes
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 is 4pm on Wednesday 16 April 2025.
5. An application form for funding can be downloaded from: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-regional-food-programme 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.
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