The Minister was speaking as the DARD Research Challenge Fund reopened, which provides funding for Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the primary production sector to support research and development.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development manages the Fund and will award grants of up to 50% for assistance with research, with up to £750,000 available in the Fund for those businesses that want to get involved in research in 2014.
Minister O’Neill said: “This Fund offers up to £750,000 for research starting in 2014 and this presents a real opportunity for small and medium local businesses to use research to maximise their growth.”
She continued: “Investing in industry-led research is a key theme in Going for Growth, the report of the Agri-Food Strategy Board, 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.”
Application packs for the Research Challenge Fund are available from Thursday 12 December by telephoning the Research Challenge Fund Team on 028 9052 5036 or by emailing RCF@dardni.gov.uk. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 5.00pm on Thursday 20 February.
Source: Northern Ireland Executive – NI 750,000 Agri Food Research Fund Opens
