The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Has
Announced the Opening of the 2026-27 Northern Ireland Regional
Food Programme Nirfp).
The Programme Will Continue to Provide Support for the Delivery
of High Impact Projects That Will Raise the Profile of High
Quality Local Food and Drink. However, for This Year, the Nirfp
Has Been Enhanced to Widen Participation and Support a Broader
Range of Applicants and Projects, All of Which Must Contribute to
the Outcomes of the Food Strategy Framework Fsf) and Food Action
Plan Fap). Applications Are Invited from Not-for-profit Groups
and Organisations As Well As Registered Charities.
In 2026-27 the Nirfp Will Open for Two Tranches As Follows:
- Tranche 1 Will Be Open for Applications Between 8 – 29 April
2026 Inclusive) for Projects Taking Place Between 1 May 2026 to
30 September 2026.
- Tranche 2 Will Be Open for Applications Between 20 July – 10
August 2026 Inclusive) for Projects Taking Place Between 1
October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
The Enhanced Nirfp Will Focus on Funding Projects Which Have the
Potential to Deliver Progress Towards Achievement of the
Strategic Priorities of the Food Strategy Framework and Food
Action Plan. As Such, the Objectives of the Enhanced Nirfp Have
Been Updated to Clearly Set out This Ambition As Follows:
- To Raise Awareness of the Importance of Locally Produced,
Nutritious Food and How a Healthy Balanced Diet Can Improve
Health Outcomes & Overall Wellbeing.
- To Increase the Environmental Sustainability and Resilience
of Local Agri-food Supply Chains.
- To Support the Development of a Local Agri-food Sector That
Encourages Sustainability, Opportunity, Innovation and
Prosperity.
- To Promote Ni Food & Drink and in Doing So, Contribute to
Building a Food Culture and Food Conscious Society.
Since Its Inception, 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, All of Which Have Promoted Northern
Ireland's High Quality Food and Drink.
Applications Are Now Open for Projects Taking Place Between 1 May
2026 and 30 September 2026. Applications Must Be Submitted by Pm
on Wednesday 29 April 2026. Awards Will Be Subject to Budget
Availability.
The Application Form and Guidance Notes Are Available to Download
from the Daera Website At: Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/articles/northern-ireland-regional-food-programme.
Notes to Editors:
1. Grant Funding Is Available at up to 40% of Eligible Project
Expenditure for Regional Fairs/exhibitions, Seminars/workshops
and Information Programmes. All Projects Must Raise the Profile
of Ni Regional Food and Contribute to the Outcomes of the Ni Food
Strategy Framework.
2. Only Not-for-profit Groups with a Northern Ireland Membership,
Registered Charities or Not-for-profit Regional Development
Agencies E.G. Borough or District Councils Are Eligible to Apply.
Applications for Collaborative Ventures Involving Two or More
Eligible Organisations Working Together to Deliver the Objectives
of the Programme Are Encouraged.
3. Closing Date for Completed Applications Is Pm on Wednesday 29
April 2026.
4. Application Forms Can Be Downloaded At: Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/articles/northern-ireland-regional-food-programme.
5. Copies of the Food Action Plan, As Well As the Ni Food
Strategy Framework Can Be Found on the Daera Website At:
Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/sites/default/files/2025-05/northern-ireland-food-strategy-framework-action-plan-2025-2027.Pdf
Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/sites/default/files/publications/daera/ni
Food Strategy Framework.Pdf
