MP welcomes NIRFP funding to promote agri-food sector

Carla Lockhart MP • April 4, 2024

THE DUP’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed the opening of the 2024/25 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. Announced by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, the NIRFP provides financial support to help raise the profile of local produce.

The Upper Bann MP said: “Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector is hugely important to the economy. The programme is open for applications, and will provide funding for projects an dinitiatives aimed at raising the profile of quality local produce.“

Last year funding was awarded to 17 projects from all sectors of the agri-food industry. Financial support was provided for a variety of exhibitions, seminars and workshops. These included the popular Food Pavilion at Balmoral Show where over 100 local producers had the opportunity to showcase and market their produce.

”Carla Lockhart continued: “The NI Regional Food Programme provides funding for non-profit groups, regional development agencies and registered charities. With summer approaching, I would encourage agricultural shows and other regional events to apply for financial assistance. Food pavilions at agricultural shows provide local producers with an excellent shop window for the quality artisan produce that Northern Ireland has to offer.

“Applications are invited for events and projects scheduled to take place between 1 st May 2024 to 31 st March 2025. The closing date for applications is Monday, 15 th April 2024. Guidance notes and application forms can be downloaded from www.daera-ni.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact the NIRFP management team on tel: 028 90524497, or email: agrifoodsupportbranch@daera-ni-gov.uk

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Lockhart Supports Banbridge Free Presbyterian Coffee Morning

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 5, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart joined with members of Banbridge Free Presbyterian Church and the wider community at a Coffee Morning on Saturday, organised by Mrs June McComb.

Lockhart Praises Banbridge Rugby Club Ahead of 100th Anniversary

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 5, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the work and community spirit of Banbridge Rugby Club, following her visit to the club’s Big Breakfast on Saturday morning.

Lockhart Tables Parliamentary Motion Celebrating 75 Years of Porter’s Fine Furnishings

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 5, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament recognising Porter’s Fine Furnishings, Banbridge, as the family-run business celebrates an incredible 75 years in operation.

Lockhart Praises Creativity at Gilford Primary School Scarecrow Competition

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 5, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the pupils and staff of Gilford Primary School following a visit to judge the school’s scarecrow competition. Each class designed and built their own scarecrow for the school’s community garden, with entries reflecting a wonderful mix of imagination, colour, and fun.

MP calls for urgent action to protect NI poultry sector from Avian Influenza

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 4, 2025

DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has raised serious concerns about Avian Influenza and is calling for DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, and chief vet Brian Dooher, to introduce a mandatory housing order for poultry flocks across Northern Ireland.

MP Helps Secure Meeting for Chinook Disaster Families

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 3, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Prime Minister that the Government will meet with the families of those who lost their lives in the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre, which claimed the lives of 29 senior security and intelligence personnel alongside the dedicated RAF crew.

Momentous UFU vote a wake-up call for the Minister and DAERA

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 30, 2025

DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has described the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s vote of no confidence in DAERA as a momentous and damning indictment of Minister Muir and his department’s total failure to stand with, and support farming and rural communities in Northern Ireland.