05/01/2018

Regional Food Programme Funding Applications Now Open

The new Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP), which is a DAERA-funded programme to help raise the profile of quality regional food, has opened for applications.

The 2018/19 funding programme within the food and drink sector encourages collaboration between all sectors and representative bodies within the local food industry.

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.

Last year NIRFP awarded just under £200k to 22 projects, providing local producers with showcasing opportunities at a range of agri-food events across Northern Ireland and supporting the development of a number of food and drink networks.

Applications for projects taking place from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 will open today, Friday 5 January. Closing date for completed applications is noon on February 14.  Awards will be subject to a national budget allocation being agreed.

Application forms and guidance are available here.

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 March 2017
April Fools Day – Final Deadline for NI Food Business Operators
On 01 April 2017, Northern Ireland sets a new legal precedent when the final clause of the Food Waste Regulations (NI) comes into effect. This final article states clearly that it is illegal for food business operators to deposit food waste into the drainage system.
23 October 2012
'Food Safety Is The Cornerstone Of The Food Industry' - McEntee
Speaking this morning at the opening of the Teagasc Global Food Safety Conference in Dublin, Minister of State Shane McEntee said that food safety is the cornerstone of the food industry; it is a non negotiable element of the food production system.
07 August 2017
Eight NI Firms Scoop Three Gold Stars At UK Guild Of Fine Food
Eight firms in Northern Ireland have been awarded the highest accolade of three gold stars at the UK Guild of Fine Food, with 80 local companies securing 244 gold stars for 180 products.
11 October 2012
NI Winners Announced In Irish Food Awards
The export focus of the five local companies which were successful at last weekend's Irish Food Awards were praised by Barry McBride, Invest Northern Ireland Director of Business International.
20 January 2011
Dynamic Agri-food Sector Backed By Northern
The importance of NI's agri-food industry in the overall economy has been again underlined today with news from one of the biggest local banks that the outlook for the agricultural sector is positive in 2011.