Grant or payment · Northern Ireland
Horticulture Pilot Scheme
Pilot support for production horticulture: Innovation Driver and Support (capital for new crops, technologies or systems), Sustainable Sector Growth Groups, and Growers' Training and Support.
- From
- DAERA, delivered through CAFRE
- How much
- Innovation Driver and Support: 40% of the cost of the innovation project.
- Who can apply
- Growers aged 18 or over with a DAERA Category 1 or 2 Farm Business ID.
What you’ll need
- DAERA Category 1 or 2 Farm Business ID
How to apply
- Growth Group and Growers' Training applications are closed
- Innovation Driver and Support expressions of interest ran from 28 May to 4 September
- Watch the CAFRE website for updates
The DAERA page gives the expression of interest window as 28 May to 4 Sept without a year; taken to be 2026 but not confirmed.
Similar schemes
- Innovation Visits and Innovation Farms Open all yearDAERA, delivered through CAFREGroup visits to see innovative farming practice outside Northern Ireland, and visits to local Innovation Farms.
- Farm Resilience Programme and other farm programmes Check it’s runningThe Royal Countryside Fund (formerly the Prince's Countryside Fund)Free business and environmental training for family farms, including Farm Resilience, Routes to Regen, Savings in Soil and Working with Water.
- Supporting Rural Communities grants Check it’s runningThe Royal Countryside FundGrants to groups for young people, community projects, farm succession and rural resilience.
Checked against the official pages on 29 October 2026. Sources: 1, 2. Always read the official page before you apply.