Farm waste recycling firm set to expand

A County Antrim company which recycles plastic farm waste is set to expand its business with the assistance of funding from the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme (RDP).

Emerald Isle Reprocessing Ltd near Randalstown recycles plastic farm waste including silage bale wrap and silo pit covers to produce material used to manufacture sheep and calf pens and recycling bins.

The business, established as a diversification project on the farm of Roy Livingston, is the first to receive grant payment under Axis 3 of the RDP. The grant, for more than £46,000, has part-funded the purchase of a robotic feeder to increase the volume of material produced.

Malcolm Beatty, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), visited the farm to see at first hand the specialist recycling operation.

Speaking afterwards he said: "Emerald Isle Reprocessing is an excellent example of diversification. Diversification starts with an understanding of the many assets a farm possesses. In this case, we see an innovative approach which provides a greener, cheaper solution to farm waste and turns it into a saleable product.

"The grant aid for a new robotic feeder will not only increase efficiency and production but will also create an additional full time job on site and Emerald Isle Reprocessing are to be congratulated on this expansion.

"Through the RDP we are aiming to invest in excess of £100million to projects and programmes which help improve the quality of life in rural areas. Emerald Isle Reprocessing is the first beneficiary of grant payment with many more in the pipeline."

Emerald Isle Reprocessing offers a plastic waste management service to farmers and recycled products for sale to business in the agricultural, construction, medical and commercial sectors.

Further information on the Rural Development Programme and the assistance available can be found at http://www.nirdp.info  or by calling 0845 3044 509 to request an information pack.

The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Notes to editors:

1. Axis 3 of the Rural Development Programme is delivered locally by GROW South Antrim (Generating Rural Opportunities within South Antrim). It has been appointed by Antrim, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Borough Councils to implement Axes 3 & 4 of NIRDP 2007 – 2013 in rural South Antrim.
2. GROW has now awarded over £425,000 to 17 farmers and rural businesses across Antrim, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Borough Councils, which will lead to a total investment of almost £1million in the area.
3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440, and your call will be returned.