Northern Irish agricultural shows are to receive over £100,000 in grants to support them following the Covid pandemic.

The Bounce Back Support Scheme was developed by the NI government in 2021 to help rural and farm shows return this year. Under the support scheme, show representatives were permitted to claim up to a maximum of £10,000 for new or increased costs in 2022.

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So far a total of £103,707 has been issued according to the Department of Agriculture. DAERA minister Edwin Poots said: “Local shows play a vital role in showcasing our excellent agri-food produce and supporting our rural communities, and this funding will provide a foundation for shows to continue to play this vital role.

“As an additional package of support, my Department offered six local shows total funding of £33,242 under the NI Regional Food Programme to assist with the promotion and showcasing of quality regional food at the shows.

"This support helped to highlight the quality, sustainability and reputation of the food that is produced on local farms and by local producers.”