DAERA Minister Muir encourages growers to explore the Horticulture Pilot Scheme opportunities
November 21, 2025
During a visit to the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir had the opportunity to hear about advances in Horticulture.
In conversation with Kieran Lavelle, Senior Horticulture Policy Adviser, CAFRE, Minister Muir was pleased to hear that applications for the Horticulture Pilot Scheme are open.
Commenting during a visit to CAFRE’s Greenmount campus, the Minister said, “Our horticulture sector is a really important part of our wider agri-food industry and I am keen to support it to grow sustainably. The Horticulture Pilot Scheme is designed to provide support, resources, and opportunities for innovation and should be of real and practical benefit and I would strongly encourage growers to consider applying.”
Minister Muir remarked on the benefits that the industry can gain from the support on offer and encouraged growers to explore the Horticulture Pilot Scheme and consider applying.
The Pilot Scheme aims to foster collaboration, support sustainable practices and promote growth within the horticulture industry. Commenting on the Scheme, Kieran Lavelle said, “It will facilitate the development of cooperation among growers, provide capital funding for the adoption of innovative crops, technologies, and systems, and support the professional development of new growers.”
The Horticulture Pilot Scheme has three strands:
- Sustainable Sector Growth Groups which aim to assist the development of commercial horticulture production by providing specialist agronomy, financial, and supply chain advice whilst facilitating greater collaboration amongst group participants.
- Innovation Driver and Support will offer horticulture businesses financial assistance to invest in crops, technologies and systems which are new to Northern Ireland.
- Growers’ Training and Support will provide support for continuous professional development within the horticulture industry through the provision of training and specialist support.
Applications for the Sustainable Sector Growth Groups and Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Schemes will close on Monday 19 January 2026 at 4pm.