Investment Helps Armagh Firm Hatch A Bright Future

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has highlighted the role that the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme (PMG) was playing to help grow the local agri food sector.

Under the PMG Scheme, which opens again towards the end of the year, financial support up to £0.5million can be provided for capital investment in buildings and plant and equipment for business working in the agri food processing sector.

The Minister was speaking as she visited County Armagh business R Thompson & Son (Armagh) Ltd (Farmlay Eggs) to see at first-hand how investment assisted by the scheme has helped this family owned business improve efficiency and quality.

Farmlay Eggs were awarded £0.5million under the PMG Scheme towards the purchase and installation of new modern egg packing and grading equipment costing over £1million.

The Minister said: "The aim of the PMG Scheme is to help the processing sector to develop and remain competitive in the market place. The first awards under the current Scheme were made in 2008 and to date funding of £12.5million has been approved to 50 projects across the north. This investment has been and will continue to be essential in helping to grow future our already flourishing agri food sector.

"The funding awarded to Farmlay Eggs is an excellent example of how my Department can work with companies to help them invest in new plant and equipment that will improve efficiencies and quality. This business has strong links with local egg producers and this investment will help secure the growth of this long established family business and its farmer suppliers."

(CD)