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Gildernew announces £1.5million grant-aid for Agri-Food Industry

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced details of £1.5million grant aid to five local agri-food processing companies.
~ Thursday, 25 November 2010

The funding, for Topping Meats (Larne), Tullynaskeagh Farms Ltd (Downpatrick), Chapman Foods (Portadown), Loughshore Vegetable Ltd (Coalisland) and K.Hughes & Co Ltd (Moy), will be delivered under the EU Processing and Marketing Grant (PMG) Scheme, which provides support for capital investment to companies involved in the processing of primary agricultural and horticultural products.

Announcing the awards the Minister said: “The food and horticultural sectors are important to both the farming community and the wider economy. This significant funding will help these local companies invest in new buildings, plant and equipment, as well as improving their economic performance and competitiveness.

“The awards are the latest in a series under the PMG Scheme and to date my Department has provided offers of grant totalling £8.4million for 27 capital investment projects. As part of the Rural Development Programme, this scheme will bring a total investment of £21million to the local economy.”

Allan Chambers, from Tullynaskeagh Farms Ltd, said: “Without the assistance provided by DARD and the PMG Scheme, it would be very difficult for us to undertake this exciting farm diversification project. The funding provided will secure existing jobs and provide new opportunities as we develop our product.”

Ursula Cushnahan, from Loughshore Vegetable Ltd, added: “The funding provided for investment in new buildings, and plant and equipment will help us guarantee a quality service to our customers. In addition, the expansion within our company will give primary producers the opportunity to expand to meet our increased level of demand.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The EU Agricultural and Forestry Processing & Marketing Grant Scheme (PMG) is a key measure included under Axis 1 of the Northern Ireland Development Programme 2007-2013.
  2. Under the EU Agricultural and Forestry Processing & Marketing Grant Scheme, financial support can be provided for capital investment to erect new buildings and buy new equipment.
  3. The scheme is open to micro through to intermediate sized (750 employees) enterprises involved in the processing of primary agricultural products. There is no minimum investment required and the maximum grant available is £0.5million. The maximum grant rate is 40%.
  4. The scheme opened for applications in December 2007 and since then the Department has made offers of £8.4million to 27 projects.
  5. Details on the PMG Scheme can be accessed on the following websites:
    Grants and funding section – DARD website
    Rural Development Programme – DARD website or Rural Development Programme website.
  6. The PMG Scheme is currently closed for applications.
  7. All media queries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440.