Regional Food Programme Closing Soon

01/11/2011

DARD is currently open for applications to the 2011/12 NI Regional Food Programme. 

Following on from the successful first tranche of the 2011/12 programme earlier this year, DARD will be accepting applications up to Friday 4 November 2011.

The aim of the Programme is to promote quality regional food and to help increase its consumption by provision of financial support in four key areas namely: Regional fairs / shows, information programmes, award ceremonies, and seminars / workshops.

All applications must be for projects that will be completed by 30 June 2012. State Aid restrictions mean that only not-for-profit agri-food groups representative of producers and/or processors who have local membership, registered charities or regional development agencies can apply.

Highlighting the importance of the programme to the local agri food sector Minister O’Neill said: “The Regional Food Programme is well established and well received by industry and I would encourage eligible bodies to use this opportunity to further increase the profile of our quality local produce on the regional and international stages.

“A competitive local agri-food sector is vital not only for rural businesses but also our economy and the Regional Food Programme gives our industry the platform to showcase our sector to consumers, tourists and food buyers alike.”

Since its inception in 2007, the programme has assisted the formation and development of many well known food promotion initiatives; the Food Village at Balmoral Show, Magherafelt’s Speciality Christmas Food Market, the Taste of Ulster Guide and the award winning Great Belfast Food Initiative which includes the Belfast Bred Walking tours.

An application form for funding can be downloaded here 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

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