Agri food investment welcomed

Speaking after attending a Rural Development workshop in Downpatrick last Thursday, Sinn Féin’s local Agriculture spokesperson welcomed the announcement by Minister Michelle O’Neill that investment in research will be supported to enable the local Agri food sector to continue to grow.

Councillor Chivers said: “Today the Minister reopened the DARD Research Challenge Fund, which provides funding for Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the primary production sector to support research and development. This will be a great boost for the local farming community.

“The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) manages the Fund and will award grants of up to 50 per cent for assistance with research.

“There is a total amount of £1million available in the fund for those businesses that want to get involved in research in 2013.

Councillor Chivers continued: “This investment will promote a vibrant, sustainable Agri-food industry and rural economy. This fund offers up to £1,000,000 for research starting in 2013 and presents a real opportunity for small and medium local businesses to use research to generate growth. Investing in research is central to innovation but many, especially smaller businesses, find this very daunting.

“The Research Challenge Fund helps to assist these businesses as they attempt to improve their competitiveness and sustainability by embracing research and innovation.”