The “importance of the apple harvest to growers in County Armagh” has been bolstered by almost £300,000 in funding from the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in 2025.
The versatile fruit holds much significance for Armagh, which is of course known colloquially as the Orchard County for its volume of orchards and historic connection to the now PGI protected, Armagh Bramley Apple.
The Armagh Bramley is one of only three products from Northern Ireland with the much sought-after European status.
And, the Minister for DAERA, Andrew Muir has not only recognised the importance of the apple harvest in terms of its “positive impact” for the economy, environment and biodiversity in the region, but also took the time to attend Armagh’s annual Food and Cider Festival for an ‘Apple Spirits Tasting Masterclass’.
His enthusiasm for the crop appears to have also been backed up by funding.
Writing to the Minister, MLA for Armagh and Newry Justin McNulty asked how DAERA is “financially supporting apple growers in Co Armagh”; he also asked the Minister to detail the support on offer for the upcoming harvest and associated agri-businesses and events.
In response, Minister Muir said: “Land used for the commercial production of apples is eligible for financial support under my department’s Farm Sustainability Transition Payment (FSTP).
“It will continue to be eligible as the scheme transitions to the Farm Sustainability Payment within the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) in 2026.
“On 1 September 2025, my department commenced 2025 FSTP payments to farm businesses. A total of £299,388 will be paid against land in County Armagh registered for use as commercial orchards. This includes payments to commercial apple growers.”
In the last ten year period, the Minister said funding totalling £123,758 has been awarded for projects delivered through the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP) for promotional activities associated with the annual Food and Cider Weekend.
“This funding has supported a wide range of activities, all of which focus on celebrating the region’s PGI-status Armagh Bramley Apple and associated products,” added Minister Muir.
“As part of this year’s Food and Cider Festival, I recently attended the ‘Apple Spirits Tasting Masterclass’ in Armagh at which I was pleased to learn more about the journey of the apple from the orchard to a range of finished products.”
This year’s festival was awarded £14,100 from the NIRFP.
In terms of further support, Minister Muir explained that his department is also working with the apple industry, through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), in the delivery of industry training, knowledge and technology transfer to meet their needs.
Of the support available, the Minister explained: “This support includes disseminating modelling reports to growers on the influence of environmental conditions on pest and disease risk.
“CAFRE’s Loughry Campus also helps the top-fruit industry by providing technical support, advice and training related to the processing and packaging of apples and apple products.”
The Minister added that additional support is available to commercial apple growers who hold a Category 1 or 2 Farm Business ID through the Horticulture Pilot Scheme.
He explained: “The scheme – which will be delivered as part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) – comprises three pilot sub schemes: Sustainable Sector Growth Groups pilot scheme, Growers’ Training and Support pilot scheme and Innovation Driver and Support pilot scheme.
“Public awareness sessions to publicise the scheme are ongoing and have included sessions with apple growers.
“Applications for the Sustainable Sector Growth groups and Growers’ Training and Support Scheme will open on the October 31, 2025.
“In addition, under SAP, my department is developing the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme, which will provide financial support for equipment and technology to improve environmental performance and business efficiency.
“It is proposed that the scheme will be open to all primary production sectors, including apple growers.”
More information on this new scheme will be announced in the coming months.
