NI agri-food supply chain to benefit from £46m investment

Grant funding has been made available for businesses in Northern Ireland (NI) through a new £46m agri-food investment initiative.

Eligible businesses include processors for meat, dairy, potatoes, cereals, fruit, vegetables, and animal feed.

The scheme will run until the end of 2025 and provide funding for up to 35% of investment costs for business with a minimum project size of £300,000.

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NI economy minister Conor Murphy said: “Agri-Food processing makes a significant contribution to local communities throughout the region, and especially to rural communities. By targeting support to this sector, this scheme will promote regional balance.

“The capital investment will help companies adopt greener technologies, and so contribute to our net-zero targets. Importantly, the scheme also aims to increase the sector’s productivity.”

The funding has been welcomed by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), which says it is a very positive development for industry with benefits for the farming sector.

UFU president William Irvine said: “We have been supportive of an initiative like this for some time, as it will put Northern Ireland on a more level footing with competitors in the Republic of Ireland and Britain.

“It will also have positive knock-on effects for our rural communities and farming industry.

“This scheme will strengthen and further develop our local supply chain, helping to ensure a bright and sustainable future benefiting our consumers and everyone involved in the industry.”