A FUND worth £750,000 to fund agri-food research has been reopened by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Dard).
Agriculture minister Michelle O'Neill said research was a "key component" to enable the sector to grow.
She was speaking as the Dard Research Challenge Fund reopened.
It provides funding for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the primary production sector to support research and development.
The department manages the fund and will award grants of up to 50 per cent for assistance with research in 2014.
Ms O'Neill said it "presents a real opportunity for small and medium local businesses to use research to maximise their growth".
"Investing in industry-led re-search is a key theme in Going for Growth, the report of the Agri-Food Strategy Board, but many, especially smaller businesses, find this very daunting. The Re-search Challenge Fund helps to assist these businesses as they attempt to improve their competitiveness and sustainability by embracing research and innovation."
Application packs for the fund are available by telephoning the Research Challenge Fund team on 028 9052 5036 or by emailing RCF@dardni.gov.uk.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on February 20.