Council Funding for Agri-Food Sector

New Funding From Council Bringing Agri-Food Ideas to Life

Companies in the agri-food sector across Mid and East Antrim could benefit from funding to help them transform new project ideas into reality, thanks to a new scheme launched by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Now open, the aim of the Agri-food Demonstrator Pilot Grant Scheme is to enable eligible businesses in the agri-food sector within Mid and East Antrim access support for small scale demonstrator projects.

Companies with an idea for an agri-food project can avail of funding to scope out the viability of a new technique or to demonstrate and test a new product for a target market. The Scheme will provide financial support of up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of £1,500.

Announcing the opening of the Scheme, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston said: “As a Council we are continually investing time, money and resources, proactively seeking ways to assist companies within the Borough grow and develop.”

“Mid and East Antrim has a rich heritage in the wider agri-food sector and, with almost 30% of our businesses in this sector, the Borough is renowned for its strong capabilities and outputs in agriculture, food production and processing.

Our newly launched Agri-food Demonstrator Pilot Grant Scheme will give these companies the opportunity to invest in an idea for a new product, process, technique or service.

With only a limited amount of funding available for this pilot phase of the Scheme, I would encourage anyone with an interest in this sector to access the guidance notes online, check eligibility for the scheme and apply.”

Agri-Demonstrator Grant 

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council delivered the Agri-food Demonstrator Pilot Grant scheme between April 2021 and March 2022.

The scheme enabled eligible businesses in the agri-food sector within Mid and East Antrim, to access support for small scale demonstrator projects.  Eligible projects included those which allowed applicants to scope out, develop, test or demonstrate new products, services and techniques.

Companies with an idea for an agri-food project were able to secure funding of up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of £1,500.

Successful projects included micro-businesses investing in small pieces of capital equipment to support development of new products, services and techniques.

The scheme is currently closed for applications.