Innovation Driver & Support Pilot Scheme-Expression of Interest

Overview

The Horticulture Pilot Scheme (HPS) is a targeted support initiative developed under the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) for the commercial horticulture sector and is intended to provide DAERA with evidence of the potential impact that a full-scale programme could have on industry output in Northern Ireland (NI). The Innovation Driver & Support Horticulture Pilot Scheme (ID&S) forms one of three components of the HPS.

The ID&S is a competitive scheme for projects that would present the highest potential, impact and influence and is designed to support innovative investment by commercial horticulture businesses seeking to address current and future challenges related to productivity, plant health, market access, resilience and environmental sustainability, with the aim of achieving sustainable growth. The pilot scheme provides funding support for investment in crops, technologies, and systems that are new to Northern Ireland.

Funding is limited to one successful application per business, and multiple applications for the same crop, technology, or system will not be approved. Selection criteria will be applied to identify proposals with the greatest potential, impact and influence.

The application process comprises two stages to determine eligibility for the ID&S scheme. It is anticipated that the scheme will open for full applications in Autumn 2026.

Stage 1 – Expression of Interest to determine eligibility of innovation proposal for the Innovation Driver & Support Horticulture Pilot Scheme 

Applicants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to determine the eligibility of their innovation proposal. The criteria used to determine eligibility for Innovation Driver & Support HPS are set out in the Guidance Notes. Applicants will be notified of the eligibility outcome for the Innovation Driver & Support Pilot Scheme.

Stage 2 – Full Application with appraisal of eligible innovation proposals

Applicants will be invited to submit a full innovation proposal, which will be assessed by an independent panel in accordance with the criteria set out in the Guidance Notes. Innovation proposals will be subject to full due diligence, appraisal, scoring and eligibility checks.  Applicants should note that Innovation proposals which are considered eligible for the ID&S following the Expression of Interest will require the submission of a full application at Stage 2 for an evaluation to be carried and determine whether a funding offer will be made. Funding offers are subject to budget availability and the requirements of the Innovation Driver & Support Pilot Scheme being met.

Please check that your Expression of Interest form is fully completed and that it is submitted before the closing date; late or incomplete forms will not be considered.