Regional Food Programme open for applications
Date published:
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has announced the opening of the 2025/26 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
The Programme provides support of up to Pound 250,000 to help raise the profile of quality regional food. Applications are invited from not-for-profit groups & regional development agencies as well as registered charities.
Welcoming the opening of the Programme, Minister Muir said: "The programme provides a very important source of funding to help promote our food and drink sector. In line with the recently published NI Food Framework, it will encourage collaboration between all sectors and representative bodies within the local food industry through financial support to help showcase quality regional food.
"Last year, the Programme provided funding to 18 local projects including the Food Pavilion at Balmoral Show where over 100 food and drink producers from across NI were able to sell their produce direct to the public and also showcase to trade buyers.
"The food and drinks sector in Northern Ireland plays a critically important role in our local economy and I will continue to support the delivery of high quality, high impact projects that will raise the profile of local quality produce across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and GB."
The programme has supported many local events and initiatives by providing financial support in three key areas - regional fairs/exhibitions, seminars/workshops, and information programmes.
In 2024/25 the NIRFP awarded funding to 18 projects, providing local producers with showcasing opportunities at a range of agri-food events across Northern Ireland.
Applications are now open for projects taking place between 1 May 2025 and 31 March 2026. Applications must be submitted by 4:00pm on Wednesday 16 April 2025. Awards will be subject to budget availability.
Application forms can be downloaded from the DAERA website.
