The Gelvin group are comprised of full and part-time farmers who come from the Limavady/Dungiven area. The fund for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) prompted the formation of the group who received assistance for both group facilitation and investment in agricultural holdings. Gelvin is a good example of an effective cross-community group, which has a shared ethos of rural sustainability at its heart.
The Minister said: “It is fantastic to see what this group has achieved since their inception. The formation of what is evidently a strong and effective network of farmers and farming families has not only benefited the group but also the wider community here.”
The group currently provides information for members and has a self-support function and a wider social function for farm families. As part of their activities the group recently went out to Brussels and met with MEPs and during the last four years has raised over £20,000 for local charities.
The Minister concluded: “I wish this group continued success and look forward to hearing more about them and their achievements in the future.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Gelvin group are one of 126 groups to have benefited from the group facilitation measure (1.6) and investment in agricultural holdings measure (1.9) under the PEACE II programme.
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