Regional Food Programme re-opens

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and Invest NI have temporarily reopened the local Regional Food Programme (NIRFP) for 2009/10.

A limited amount of funding is still available after the first two tranches and DARD will be accepting applications up to 12 noon on Wednesday 11 November 2009.

The aim of the Programme is to promote quality regional food and to help increase its consumption by provision of financial support in five key areas namely:

• Regional fairs/shows;
• Information programmes;
• Award ceremonies;
• Seminars/ workshops; and
• Market intelligence/research.

Any applications must be for projects that will be completed by 31 March 2010.

State Aid restrictions mean that only agri-food groups representative of producers and/or processors who have local membership, registered charities or regional development agencies can apply.

Within the last three years, the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP) has supported a wide range of initiatives which have not only promoted local quality produce, but have also led to greater collaboration across the entire local agri-food sector.

An application form for funding can be downloaded from the DARD website.or obtained from:

Ms Una Hollywood
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Room 516A
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 3SB
Tel: 028 9052 4497
E-mail: una.hollywood@dardni.gov.uk

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. All media enquiries 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 and your call will be returned.