Horticulture Pilot Scheme
The Horticulture Pilot Scheme is designed to assess the potential for a future comprehensive support programme aimed at developing the production horticulture industry in Northern Ireland. This support initiative includes three distinct elements:
- Sustainable Sector Growth Group Pilot Scheme
- Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme
- Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme
CAFRE will deliver an online awareness session on the Horticulture Pilot Schemes on Tuesday 6 January at 7pm. This session will provide information on the support available through the Pilot Schemes and details about the application process.
Join the online awareness through joining via MS Teams
Information sessions were held during September, if you missed attending one, you can watch a recording of the Information Talks below:
Sustainable Sector Growth Group Pilot Scheme
This pilot scheme is designed to support the formation of six self-formed groups of growers. Its goal is to demonstrate the benefits of collective action by participants to co-operate, build scale and overcome barriers to market access, and foster cooperation within the production horticulture sectors.
Each group will receive tailored support to work collaboratively throughout the pilot scheme, including:
- Access to a dedicated facilitator
- Expert guidance from a business specialist
- Supply chain support from an industry expert
- Agronomic advice from a qualified agronomist
This approach aims to strengthen the horticulture sectors by encouraging collaboration, innovation and shared learning.
Who is eligible for the Sustainable Sector Growth Groups?
- Applicants must have a have a DAERA business identification number Category 1 or 2 or be nominated to participate on behalf of a business owner who has one.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older when they submit the application to the pilot scheme.
If I don’t have a DAERA business identification number, how do I apply for one?
To obtain a DAERA business identification number, you’ll need to apply using the appropriate form, depending on the type of business. You can complete and submit Form FB1 for Category 1 or Category 2 businesses. For joining an existing business, Form BC1 (Business Change) can be used. You can find the FB1 form on the DAERA website at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/fb1-form-daera
Alternatively, you can contact your local DAERA Direct Office for information and support. Please be aware that it can take several weeks for the forms to be processed and the new business number being issued.
Applications to the scheme will now close on Monday 19 January 2026 at 4pm.
Planning to apply for both schemes? Great! Just remember to submit one application for each scheme
Applicants should refer to the Guidance Notes when completing the application form. To view the Sustainable Sector Growth Groups Pilot Scheme Application Guidance Notes click on the button below.
Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme
This pilot scheme is designed to offer growers tailored opportunities for upskilling and further their technical and professional development, specifically aligned with the needs of the production horticulture industry. This pilot scheme is open to either the business owner or a nominated person.
Each participant will receive tailored support throughout the pilot scheme, including:
- Access to a facilitator
- Expert guidance from a business specialist
- Supply chain support from an industry expert
- Agronomic advice from a qualified agronomist
- Travel Bursary
Who is eligible for the Growers’ Training and Support Scheme?
- Applicants must have a have a DAERA business identification number Category 1 or 2 or be nominated to participate on behalf of a business owner who has one.
If I don’t have a DAERA business identification number, how do I apply for one?
To obtain a DAERA business identification number, you’ll need to apply using the appropriate form, depending on the type of business. You can complete and submit Form FB1 for Category 1 or Category 2 businesses. For joining an existing business, Form BC1 (Business Change) can be used. You can find the FB1 form on the DAERA website at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/fb1-form-daera Alternatively, you can contact your local DAERA Direct Office for information and support. Please be aware that it can take several weeks for the forms to be processed and the new business number being issued.
- Applicants must hold a Level 2 Practical Horticulture Skills Growers’ Award or equivalent or higher qualification. This ensures that all participants can effectively engage with agronomists and technical advisers during the scheme. To view qualifications meeting the requirement for the Growers Training and Support Pilot Scheme follow this link. To support potential applicants, CAFRE will offer the Level 2 qualification ahead of the application deadline, giving those without the required qualification the opportunity to become eligible. There are no fees for this course. To apply for the Level 2 Award please click here.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older when they submit the application to the pilot scheme.
Applications to the scheme will now close on Monday 19 January 2026 at 4pm.
Planning to apply for both schemes? Great! Just remember to submit one application for each scheme
Applicants should refer to the Guidance Notes when completing the application form. To view the Growers Training and Support Pilot Scheme Application Guidance Notes click on the button below:
Queries on the Horticulture Pilot Scheme should be directed to: KT.Admin@daera-ni.gov.uk
To view Frequently Asked Questions click on the button below:
Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme
This pilot scheme is designed to encourage innovation within Northern Ireland’s production horticulture industry by offering financial support to businesses to adopt new crops, technologies, or systems not currently used in Northern Ireland. The aim is to boost productivity and sustainability through innovative, forward-thinking practices. There is no fixed list of eligible items; applicants will propose their own innovation plans as part of a competitive application process. Funding will be awarded to one business per innovation project.
To ensure that the innovation efforts of the successful applicants will generate the greatest benefits, this pilot will offer them tailored support through access to:
- A facilitator
- Expert guidance from a business specialist
- Supply chain support from an industry expert
- Agronomic advice from a qualified agronomist
This pilot scheme is scheduled to launch in winter 2026.
Please note: Expressions of interest for this pilot scheme will open at a later date. Please check back for further updates.