Top fruit growers in County Armagh have been shown how drone technology and a remote-controlled ground sprayer could change the way orchards are treated, as a new DAERA-backed support scheme opens for applications.
The orchard demonstration featured Kieran Lavelle, a senior adviser with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), observing water dispersion from the remote-controlled sprayer. The event was part of wider efforts to encourage production horticulture businesses to consider new technologies, systems and crops.
How the orchard technology could help
The spraying process combined the use of a drone with a remote-controlled ground sprayer. According to DAERA, the technique can help avoid soil compaction, particularly during periods of high rainfall, while providing excellent coverage of tree canopies and reducing labour requirements.
DAERA said developing and introducing innovative ideas can be challenging for horticultural businesses. Its Innovation Driver and Support Scheme is intended to help businesses explore opportunities that could improve production efficiency, strengthen resilience and support the long-term sustainable growth of the production horticulture sector.
The scheme forms part of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, which brings together measures designed to support what the department describes as a thriving and resilient agri-food industry.
Funding available through the horticulture pilot
Under the Innovation Driver and Support Scheme, production horticulture businesses are being invited to submit an expression of interest explaining how their proposal represents a new crop, technology or system for Northern Ireland. They must also set out how the proposal could contribute to future growth and development in the sector.
“This pilot scheme offers financial support to production horticultural businesses introducing innovative technologies, systems and crops that have not previously been used in Northern Ireland. The orchard spraying demonstration is one such example.”
Mr Lavelle said the scheme aims to help businesses improve productivity and sustainability by encouraging innovation across horticulture. He added that commercial horticulture producers now have an opportunity to explore new possibilities, strengthen competitiveness and build for the future.
Only one successful application will be permitted per business. Multiple applications involving the same crop, technology or system will not be supported. Applications will be assessed against selection criteria, with proposals judged to have the greatest potential impact prioritised.
Key dates for Armagh-area producers
The expression-of-interest stage will remain open until Friday 4 September 2026. It will be used to assess industry interest and determine eligibility, while a full application process is expected to follow in autumn 2026.
Growers who want to learn more can attend an online information event hosted through Microsoft Teams at 7pm on Thursday 20 August 2026. Access details, the expression-of-interest form and guidance on applying are available through the CAFRE website.
The announcement was published by DAERA on 3 August 2026 and is aimed at production horticulture businesses across Northern Ireland, including growers exploring the potential of new orchard technology in County Armagh.