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Gildernew support for regional food

Thursday, 27 August 2009

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has demonstrated her support for local food by outlining the funding awarded to successful applicants under the Regional Food Programme (NIRFP) for 2009/10.

The NIFRP is run by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD,) in conjunction with Invest NI. The programme’s aim is to promote quality regional food and to help increase its consumption by provision of financial support in five key areas: Regional fairs/shows; Information programmes; Award ceremonies; Seminars/ workshops and Market intelligence/research. In all 24 separate applications were awarded funding to the total value of £344,055.

Commenting on the awards the Minister said: “This is the third year of the Regional Food programme and I continue to be impressed by the innovation and variety in the applications aimed at promoting our quality, regional produce. The Scheme contributes to making our domestic consumers and visiting tourists aware of the food and drink produced locally and I am confident that the quality and taste of our products are of such a high level that repeat buying and increased consumption is inevitable.”

This year the Programme has supported a wide range of initiatives which not only promote local quality produce, but has also brought together several trade bodies in cross-cutting promotional activities. Activities funded include Food Pavilions and Festivals at Shows, Taste of Ulster and Flavour of Tyrone initiatives, producer and processor workshops and sector based market research.

Notes to Editors:

  1. The Northern Ireland 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 NIRFP can obtain up to 50% financial contributions on eligible expenditure.
  3. Awards and Scheme Information will be available on link to external websitehttp://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/publications/pubs-dard-grants-and-funding/nirfp_2009-10.htm
  4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned.