Northern Ireland Economy Minister Conor Murphy has launched a £46 million Agri-Food Investment Initiative to support local agri-food processors.

Developed by business development agency Invest Northern Ireland, the initiative was reportedly designed to “help improve the overall competitiveness and productivity” of the agri-food and drink processing sector in Northern Ireland.

The initiative will support the agri-food sector by providing investment in several areas, including:

• Machinery and equipment
• Buying or developing computer software
• Buying patents, licences, copyrights and trademarks

Economy Minister Murphy said: “Agri-food processing makes a significant contribution to local communities throughout the region, and especially to rural communities. By targeting support to this sector, this scheme will promote regional balance. The capital investment will help companies adopt greener technologies, and so contribute to our net zero targets. Importantly, the scheme also aims to increase the sector’s productivity.”

Kieran Donoghue, CEO Invest Northern Ireland said: “The aim of this new initiative is to improve the overall competitiveness of Northern Ireland’s agri-food and drink processing sector. To this end, we are particularly seeking projects which are innovative and demonstrate how they will improve the productivity and sustainability of the business.

“The Initiative is now open to applications from all eligible agri-food and drink processors in Northern Ireland, and I encourage businesses in the sector to avail of this significant opportunity to invest for future growth.

“As well as providing efficiency and productivity benefits directly to the business, we also expect investments through this Initiative to have a positive impact on the agri-food supply chain across rural areas.”

Putting Northern Ireland on a “level footing”

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said the launch of the Initiative was a “very positive development” for industry, with benefits for rural communities and the farming sector.

UFU president William Irvine said: “Designed by Invest Northern Ireland, this new scheme which will run until 31st December 2025 will provide support to local businesses developing productivity, encouraging innovation and improving the competitiveness of the agri-food and drink industry.

“We have been supportive of an initiative like this for some time, as it will put Northern Ireland on a more level footing with competitors in the Republic of Ireland and Britain. It will also have positive knock-on effects for our rural communities and farming industry.

“Our local agri-food and drink industry is Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturer, supports approximately 113,000 jobs and feeds some 10 million people across the globe. The success of which is built upon our food producers including our farmers, who produce nutritious food to the highest environmental, animal health and welfare, and food safety standards.

“This scheme will strengthen and further develop our local supply chain, helping to ensure a bright and sustainable future benefitting our consumers and everyone involved in the industry.”