The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced the opening of the 2026-2027 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP).
The programme provides support for the delivery of high impact projects that will raise the profile of high quality local food and drink.
This year, the NIRFP has been enhanced to widen participation and support a broader range of applicants and projects, all of which must contribute to the outcomes of the Food Strategy Framework (FSF) and Food Action Plan (FAP).
Applications are open to not-for-profit groups and organisations as well as registered charities.
In 2026-2027 the NIRFP will open for two tranches as follows:
- Tranche 1 will be open for applications between April 8-29, 2026 (inclusive) for projects taking place between May 1, 2026 to September 20, 2026;
- Tranche 2 will be open for applications between July 20 – August 10, 2026 (inclusive) for projects taking place between October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
Regional food programme
The enhanced NIRFP will focus on funding projects which have the potential to deliver progress in the Food Strategy Framework and Food Action Plan.
The objectives of the enhanced NIRFP have been updated to set out this ambition as follows:
- To raise awareness of the importance of locally produced, nutritious food and how a healthy balanced diet can improve health outcomes and overall wellbeing;
- To increase the environmental sustainability and resilience of local agri-food supply chains;
- To support the development of a local agri-food sector that encourages sustainability, opportunity, innovation and prosperity;
- To promote NI food and drink and in doing so, contribute to building a food culture and food conscious society.
The programme has supported many local events and initiatives by providing financial support in three key areas – regional fairs/exhibitions, seminars/workshops, and information programmes.
Applications must be submitted by 4:00p.m on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Awards will be subject to budget availability, according to DAERA.
The Application Form and Guidance Notes are available to download from the DAERA website
Grants
Grant funding is available at up to 40% of eligible project expenditure for regional fairs/exhibitions, seminars/workshops and information programmes.
All projects must raise the profile of NI regional food and contribute to the outcomes of the NI Food Strategy Framework.
Only not-for-profit groups with a Northern Ireland membership, registered charities or not-for-profit regional development agencies e.g., Borough or District Councils are eligible to apply.
Applications for collaborative ventures involving two or more eligible organisations working together to deliver the objectives of the programme are encouraged.