The re-opening of the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme (PMG) for applications has been announced by DARD. Minister Michele Gildernew said, “The PMG budget for the period of 2011-2015 has now been confirmed, with PMG receiving £1.3million in national funding in 2011/12 and £1.5million in each of the following three years. When this is matched by EU funding this will provide available funding of £11.6million to support the agri-food sector up until 31 March 2015. “Grants of up to £500,000 will continue to be available but I am particularly keen to encourage applications from small processors. I am therefore setting aside £300,000 a year specifically for applicants with projects seeking grant of £50,000 or less. This will support at least six smaller projects each year.” The Minister added, “In order to simplify the application process for all food processor applicants under the EU funded Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, I am also setting up a ‘One Stop Shop’ approach through the Department’s Rural Development Division, for applicants to apply for either the PMG grant or other food processing grants which are available through the Local Action Groups under Axis 3 of the Programme. This approach will remove any uncertainty for applicants as to where to direct their applications for food processing grants.” The scheme will run from 11 April until 20 May 2011. Application forms can be obtained from http://www.rdpni.info or by telephoning Rural Development Division on 028 9052 4219 or 028 9052 4871. Alternatively you can request an application form by sending an e-mail to afpinfo@dardni.gov.uk . The PMG Scheme is funded under Measure 1.2 of the Rural Development Programme and has a Measure allocation of £21.5million (50% National and 50% EU). Since December 2007, DARD has received 83 applications and committed funding of £8.4million to 27 projects (50% National and 50% EU funded). £300,000 will be set aside each year to support applications for grants up to £50,000.]]>
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