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RDPE

Farm Flood Debris Recovery Grant Scheme

Supporting farms directly affected by the November floods.

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is jointly funded by the Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. It was launched in 2008 and will run until 2013.

Along with Natural England and the Forestry Commission, the NWDA is responsible for delivering RDPE in the Northwest. RDPE is investing £374 million in the region, £75 million of which has been allocated to the NWDA. (The remaining £299 million is being delivered by Natural England and the Forestry Commission.)

The RDPE covers three delivery axes - Axis 1 and Axis 3 are delivered by the NWDA. (More information on Axis 2.)

Axis 1: Improving the Competitiveness of the Farming &  Forestry Sector

Axis 1 encourages modernisation and diversification of farm and forestry businesses including adding value to primary produce. It highlights the importance of sustainable growth by promoting efficiency of resource use, such as energy, water and nutrients. It fosters the development of new markets for products such as woodfuel and biomass.

Axis 3: Rural Quality of Life & Diversification of the Rural Economy

Axis 3 encourages entrepreneurial and socio-economic activity, develops micro-business, and supports rural service provision. It promotes leadership development, knowledge transfer and innovation, including climate change and energy innovation. It promotes improved skill access and employment within the farming, food and forestry. It also promotes rural tourism and access.

The NWDA’s Livestock Programme has been allocated £18 million of the £75 million the Agency is delivering. The programme cuts across Axis 1 and Axis 3.

Funding Delivery

The delivery of Axis 1, Axis 2 and Axis 3 are covered by the Regional Implementation Plan, which the NWDA developed in partnership with the GONW, Natural England and the Forestry Commission. The Regional Implementation Plan drew its approach from: the Regional Economic Strategy; Northwest Forest Framework; Natural England’s Strategic Objectives; and an analysis of the socio-economic, environmental and sustainability conditions in the region.

Sub-Regional Partnerships

The Northwest has five rural Sub-Regional Partnerships:

  • Cheshire and Warrington Rural Partnership
  • Commission for the New Economy (Manchester)
  • Cumbria Partners
  • Integrated Countryside & Environment Plan (Merseyside)
  • Lancashire Economic Partnership

The rural Sub-Regional Partnerships have prepared five distinct Sub-Regional Implementation Plans to support the delivery of Axis 1 and Axis 3 in the region. They are also responsible for delivering £50 million of RDPE funding.

LEADER

The remaining £25 million is being delivered through the LEADER programme, which offers funding for a wide range of activities, including: vocational training and skills development; farming and forestry diversification; environmental stewardship; food processing; marketing; business start-ups; and tourism initiatives.

The LEADER programme uses a "bottom-up" approach, allowing local community groups and key local players to come together to form a Local Action Group. These groups design and implement packages which will support businesses, maximise training and skills development and provide opportunities in their local areas.

Greater Manchester

Merseyside

Lancashire

Cumbria

Cheshire

Direct Delivery

The NWDA directly manages eligible activities that are not being delivered by Local Action Groups through the LEADER programme.

Expressions of Interest are sought from businesses and eligible bodies to become involved in direct delivery projects.

Livestock Programme

Livestock Northwest invests in projects that improve the livestock farming sector and offers capital grants to livestock farmers. The programme covers three main areas: resource efficiency and nutrient management; animal health and welfare planning; and good practice, communication and sharing knowledge and ideas. Organisations have been appointed to deliver livestock support.

Resource Efficiency & Nutrient Management

There is funding to deliver 2,200 nutrient plans/resource efficiency audits. Farmers will be helped to optimise fertiliser usage and adopt carbon aware approaches.
On farm delivery: Promar - 0870 870 7380
Managed by: SAC Consulting

Animal Health & Welfare Planning

There is funding to support 2000 farms with animal health planning, including use of a standard software package to allow the activity to continue after the programme is finished. 
On farm delivery: SAC Consulting - 0845 604 0535
(SAC Consulting are working with Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, Myerscough College and Reaseheath College)
Supported by: Kite Consultancy with Liverpool Vet School

Good Practice, Communication & Sharing Knowledge & Ideas

This work involves a range of activities, including: setting up monitor farms; running demonstration events; supporting farmer groups; and a dedicated ICT network to act as a channel for the whole programme and to pass targeted technical information to advisers and livestock farmers.
Delivery: Myerscough College - 01995 642 206
Supported by: Reaseheath, EBLEX, EFFP and Cumbria Farmer Network

Performance Grants

To complete the package, livestock farmers can then apply for specific Performance Grants to help implement the recommendations from advisors and vets in the technical plans for each farm.  
Delivery: NWDA RDPE team - 01768 861306

General Queries

Email Adrian Capstick at Myerscough College or phone him on 01995 642 206

Improving the Countryside

Work on improving the countryside is covered by Axis 2 of RDPE. Natural England and the Forestry Commission are responsible for delivering Axis 2, which is worth around £299 million, through agri-environment schemes and environment grants.

The work covered by Axis 2 complements the NWDA’s work on rural development; the natural economy and land regeneration.

Axis 2: Conserving & Enhancing the Environment & Countryside

  • Through the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, Axis 2 encourages land managers to conserve, enhance and promote the countryside.
  • Through the Energy Crops Scheme, Axis 2 aims to increase the amount of energy crops grown in appropriate locations.
  • Through the English Woodland Grant Scheme, Axis 2 aims to sustain and increase the public benefits from existing woodlands and create new woodlands that provide public benefits.

Regional Implementation Plan

An analysis of the socio-economic, environmental and sustainability conditions in the region was carried out with key regional stakeholders to form the basis for the Regional Implementation Plan.

The key issues identified were: competitiveness and growth; climate change & energy; resource protection; sustainable agriculture; forestry & woodlands; biodiversity, landscape & heritage; and skills, knowledge transfer & capacity building.

Investing in England's Northwest (link opens in a new window)