MP welcomes NIRFP funding to promote agri-food sector

Carla Lockhart MP • April 4, 2024

THE DUP’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed the opening of the 2024/25 Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme. Announced by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, the NIRFP provides financial support to help raise the profile of local produce.

The Upper Bann MP said: “Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector is hugely important to the economy. The programme is open for applications, and will provide funding for projects an dinitiatives aimed at raising the profile of quality local produce.“


Last year funding was awarded to 17 projects from all sectors of the agri-food industry. Financial support was provided for a variety of exhibitions, seminars and workshops. These included the popular Food Pavilion at Balmoral Show where over 100 local producers had the opportunity to showcase and market their produce.


”Carla Lockhart continued: “The NI Regional Food Programme provides funding for non-profit groups, regional development agencies and registered charities. With summer approaching, I would encourage agricultural shows and other regional events to apply for financial assistance. Food pavilions at agricultural shows provide local producers with an excellent shop window for the quality artisan produce that Northern Ireland has to offer.


“Applications are invited for events and projects scheduled to take place between 1 st May 2024 to 31 st March 2025. The closing date for applications is Monday, 15 th April 2024. Guidance notes and application forms can be downloaded from www.daera-ni.gov.uk. Alternatively, contact the NIRFP management team on tel: 028 90524497, or email: agrifoodsupportbranch@daera-ni-gov.uk

Share

Lockhart welcomes defeat of Assisted Dying Bill

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the defeat of the Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons, describing the result as “a great day for the protection of life.” MPs rejected the Bill by 286 votes to 270.

Government must Back British Farming and deliver policies that allow agri-food sector to thrive

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 11, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has called on the Labour Government to match its words with action, following this week’s Back British Farming Day event in the House of Commons.

Parents deserve transparency as questions remain over halal meat in school meals

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 10, 2026
Responding to recent online comments and media reports concerning the use of halal-certified meat in Northern Ireland school meals, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart MP has confirmed that she raised concerns about this issue with Stormont Assembly departments in March.

Carla Lockhart MP Statement regarding the Garvaghy Road

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 8, 2026
MP responds to Sinn Fein on the Garvaghy Road

Steel tariffs expose economic damage of Windsor Framework

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has accused the Government of ignoring the economic damage being inflicted on Northern Ireland by the Windsor Framework after it offered no solution to businesses facing 50% EU tariffs when purchasing steel from Great Britain.

RESPONSE TO JOHN O’DOWDS COMMENTS

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart's response to John O'Dowd

Prime Minister must turn farming promises into action

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 4, 2026
DUP agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has challenged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to turn his promise of a new direction for the UK into meaningful action, particularly when it comes to farming, food security and protecting British industry.

Plant health regulations expose constitutional consequences of Windsor Framework

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that the Government’s latest plant health regulations expose the serious constitutional and democratic consequences of the Windsor Framework.

Patience running thin a public demands answers over Fivemiletown cattle cull

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 4, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has warned that public patience is running thin, as DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and his Department, continue to stall and fail to provide answers over the barbaric slaughter of 51 cattle as they grazed farmland on the outskirts of Fivemiletown, County Tyrone.

Response to SOS announcement on Parades Commission

By Carla Lockhart MP • September 1, 2026
Speaking following the SOS announcement for a Judge-led review