New Agri Food Co-Operation Scheme
in Announcements 28th November 2018
Countryside Services Ltd is pleased to launch the Agri-Food Co-operation Scheme. This programme aims to help those in agri-food supply chains to work together to develop their business/ business idea through increased market awareness, enhanced communication, and development of better supply chain arrangements. Support is available for each group (new or existing) to develop new products and processes, food tourism, short supply chains, and local markets.
The Agri-Food Co-operation scheme is a new initiative to help reduce fragmentation and improve competitiveness and sustainability in the agri-food sector.
The scheme provides a range of support tools that can help assist a group work on their branding, marketing strategies, and business planning.
Support tools available
Facilitation
Expert Help with business planning, funding, business development, and market research.
Specialist Mentoring
More specific support for the group; eg Quality Assurance, eCommerce and Marketing.
Training
To develop the skills of group members
Study Tours
To develop the skills of group members.
Co-operation Support
Development of group structures and co-operation activities.
Other Business Tools
Management information systems, surveys, websites, logos and promotional material.
Eligibility
As the scheme is focused on benefiting Northern Irish agri-food production the lead applicant must be from the NI agricultural or horticultural production sector
- the project must deal with products whose main components must already be, or could be, produced in Northern Ireland
- a group must have a minimum of two entities
- support can be allocated to new or existing groups. However, for support to be granted to an existing group, it must be to develop a business plan for a new joint project
- the scheme will only support plans for projects which involve innovative/unique characteristics, with low displacement implications and the potential to add net benefits to the Northern Ireland economy
How to apply
The first stage requires you to download and submit a short expression of interest form. You can download this form at the bottom of this page. We advise you to also download the notes for guidance document as this will provide further information regarding the scheme.
Please note the scheme will not accept applications from fisheries or aquaculture businesses, forestry businesses, or from businesses where the output is for the energy market.
Case Study
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM AFCS 2018
Contact Countryside Services for more information
Email agrifood@countrysideservices.com or call 028 8778 8207