Northern Irish farmers affected by the COVID-19 outbreak can now make applications to the £21.4m support package, one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the European Union.

Set to benefit over 11,000 farming businesses, the scheme is an effort to mitigate the losses incurred by farmers due to short-term market disturbances triggered by the ongoing pandemic.

Eligible farm businesses in the sheep, beef and dairy sectors can apply before the deadline i.e. 23rd September, while potato businesses have until September 30 to apply.

The ornamental horticulture support scheme is scheduled to open later this month.