Agricultural show societies in Northern Ireland are being urged to avail of the cross border funding sources that are now available.
It was an issue brought up by Omagh Show’s Tommy Harkin at the recent Sheep NI event.
He said: “Show societies in Northern Ireland can avail of support funding under the auspices of the Change Maker Programme,
“In order to access the funding now available, agricultural shows need to pair up on a cross-border basis.”
The Change Maker Programme – part of the cross-border PEACEPLUS initiative – will distribute €40 million over the next three years to support people-to-people engagement on a cross-community and/or cross-border basis.
Change Maker can provide awards of up to €100,000 for specific projects.
Marjorie Blackburn from the Irish Show Association agreed, adding that there is a need for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to directly support the local agricultural shows taking place in Northern Ireland.
She added: “This matter has been brought to the attention of Northern Ireland’s agriculture minister, Andrew Muir and the membership of the Stormont agriculture committee.
She went on to confirm that all of this boils down to one inescapable fact: Northern Ireland is the only region of Ireland and the UK where central government support is not available when it comes to the core funding of local agricultural shows.
Successful show season
Meanwhile, agricultural show societies in Northern Ireland continue to enjoy one of their most successful seasons in living memory.
According to Tommy Harkin: “Livestock entries have been well up at the events held up to this point. And this is particularly the case where sheep are concerned.
“In addition, we are seeing tremendous entries for all the young handler competitions.
“And let’s hope this very welcome trend is maintained. We need as many young people as possible coming into our industry.”
As a case in point, Newry Show 2025’s competition ring for the sheep young handlers’ event has to be doubled in size, such was the scale of the entry for the class.
“Local shows survive on the generosity of spirit that exists between volunteers from across Northern Ireland, all of whom give of their time and talent throughout the year,” Harkin said.
“And they are all driven by the same priority: giving our farming and food sectors the promotional platform they need.”
