Horticulture production businesses across Northern Ireland are being invited to submit expressions of interest for a new support initiative aimed at encouraging innovation in the sector.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme forms part of the department’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme. The wider programme brings together policies and schemes intended to support a resilient agri-food industry.
The pilot scheme is designed to support innovative investment by commercial horticulture businesses. DAERA said it will provide financial assistance for investment in crops, technologies and production systems that are new to Northern Ireland and show strong potential to support long-term sustainable growth.
Mr Muir said the scheme is an element of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme and is aimed at strengthening the resilience and long-term sustainability of the agri-food sector. He encouraged eligible businesses seeking to future-proof production to submit an expression of interest.
Applications will be assessed against selection criteria so that proposals with the greatest potential impact can be prioritised. DAERA said funding will be limited to one successful application per business.
Multiple applications for the same crop, technology or production system will not be supported. The application process will take place in two stages, beginning with an expression of interest phase that closes on 4 September 2026.
DAERA said the first stage will be used to gauge industry interest and determine eligibility. A full application process is anticipated to follow in the autumn, with further details available through the Business Support area of the CAFRE website.