Horticulture Pilot Scheme
The Horticulture Pilot Scheme is a support initiative for the horticulture industry in Northern Ireland. It has been designed to assess the potential for a future comprehensive programme to further the development of the production horticulture industry. The Horticulture Pilot scheme includes three distinct elements:
- Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme
- Sustainable Sector Growth Group Pilot Scheme
- Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme
Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme
- This pilot scheme aims to encourage innovation within the production horticulture industry by offering financial support to businesses to adopt new crops, technologies, or systems not currently used in Northern Ireland. The main objectives of this support are to boost productivity and sustainability through innovative, forward-thinking practices.
- There is no fixed list of eligible items for this funding support; applicants will propose their own innovation plans as part of a competitive application process. Funding will be awarded to one business per innovation project and will cover 40% of the cost.
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
- Specialist crop advice from a qualified agronomist
Who is eligible for the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme?
- Applicants must have a DAERA farm business identification number Category 1 or 2.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older when they submit the application to the pilot scheme.
Sustainable Sector Growth Group Pilot Scheme
The main goal of this pilot scheme is to demonstrate the benefits of collective action by participants to co-operate, build scale and overcome barriers to market access, and foster greater collaboration within the production horticulture sectors. This pilot scheme will support self-formed groups of growers.
Groups 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
- Specialist crop advice from a qualified agronomist
Applications to the scheme have now closed.
To view the Membership Agreement for the Sustainable Sector Growth Group Pilot Scheme click here.
Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme
This pilot scheme will 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 will offer support to either the business owner or a nominated person.
Participants 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
- Specialist crop advice from a qualified agronomist
- Travel bursary worth £2,000
Applications to the scheme have now closed.
To view the Membership Agreement for the Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme click here.
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: