Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) will run from 2007 to 2013 and in the northwest focuses on four thematic areas:
Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector

Improving the environment and the countryside
Improving the quality of life in rural areas
Encouraging diversification of the rural economy

How is the RDPE delivered?

The RDPE is being delivered by the following organisations:

Natural England and the Forestry Commission deliver the majority of RDPE funding via agri-environment and forestry schemes.
The Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) deliver the socio-economic aspects of the RDPE on a regional basis and the NWDA is responsible for delivery of RDPE funds in the northwest of England

What is the NWDA’s involvement?

The NWDA is responsible for delivering the socio-economic elements of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) in the northwest region. The Programme, which is jointly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the UK Government, will enable the NWDA to deliver over £74.9 million of investment into rural areas.

Who can access RDPE funding?

RDPE investment is available to farmers and rural entrepreneurs, mainly micro-enterprises to support the start up of new businesses and the growth of existing enterprises. The funding also supports skills development in agriculture and forestry, and helps communities to make the most of their local heritage and cultural assets.

Which Programmes are funded by RDPE?

We work with partners in our region to design and deliver programmes though which businesses and communities can benefit from RDPE funding. These include:

Local Action Groups – using the Leader ‘bottom up’ approach that empowers local communities to get involved in improving the places where they live. The Local Action Groups deliver a wide range of activities providing advice, training and grants for both land and rural businesses.

The Livestock Programme - Advice and funding, relating to -

Animal Health and Welfare
Nutrient Management
Resource Efficiency

We are also establishing six monitor farms guided by local farmers to act as case studies to show the financial and environmental gains to be made by changes in management practice

Further information also available at: www.livestocknw.co.uk

RDPE briefings and reports

The NWDA is responsible for managing the delivery of Axis 1 funding for farming and forestry competitiveness and Axis 3 funding for rural development.

Read the DEFRA Q & A website about RDPE

RDPE Spring Bulletin
RDPE Summary

Regional Implementation Plan