Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme Opens for 2026-27 Applications
/The Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP) 2026-27 offers financial support to projects that advance the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework and Food Action Plan. Funding is available through two application tranches, allowing organisations time to prepare projects aligned with the programme's objectives.
A maximum of £70,000 per project is available, covering up to 40% of total project costs.
The programme funds three activity categories.
Regional fairs and exhibitions may receive support for publicity, venue hire, participation fees, demonstrations, hospitality and travel.
Seminars and workshops can be funded for venue hire, organising costs, audio-visuals, presenter fees, promotion and distribution of factual materials.
Information programmes may receive support for producing and distributing factual content through print, digital, radio or television, including scientific or nutritional information.
Projects should contribute to raising awareness of locally produced food, improving the sustainability of local supply chains, supporting a sustainable and innovative agri-food sector or promoting Northern Ireland food and drink.
Eligible applicants include formally constituted not-for-profit groups, registered charities and regional development agencies with a Northern Ireland membership or remit. Collaborative applications involving any combination of these organisations are also accepted.
Tranche 1 is now accepting applications for projects scheduled between 1 May 2026 and 30 September 2026, with a submission deadline of 29 April 2026. For more information, please visit Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
