The new Market Information Fund provides a unique opportunity for farmers to gain an enhanced understanding of the food market place and current market developments associated with the future success and growth of their businesses.

Commenting on the launch of the fund Dan Flinter, Chairman of the Food Strategy Implementation Partnership said; "Understanding market trends and opportunities is essential to keep the Northern Ireland agri-food industry in line with emerging consumer demands. Utilisation of this funding presents an excellent opportunity for farmers and growers to access timely and relevant market information that will assist them with key decisions on the future direction of their businesses".

Farmers and growers can utilise the Market Information Fund in a number of ways to gather and disseminate information relevant to their business areas. Funding is available for;


Attendance at conferences and organised study tours held outside Northern Ireland
Funding for speakers at conferences held within Northern Ireland
Purchase of market information publications

Established producer groups, farmer controlled businesses, farmer representative organisations or others acting on behalf of farmers and growers are eligible to apply for access to the fund.

Applicants for any of the three elements will be required to outline how the market information will benefit producers. Applications for funding, which will be competitive, must be approved by the selection panel in advance of expenditure being committed.

Further details on the fund and how to apply can be obtained from the Rural NI website, www.ruralni.gov.uk or by contacting Sean McIntyre on 028 9076 5302, e-mail [email protected], or Lynsay Wells on 028 8778 9770, e-mail [email protected] .  

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