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
In This Section
Enquiries
For enquires about RDPE in the Northwest please contact
01768 861 306 or email rdpe@nwda.co.uk

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development:
Europe investing in rural areas