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RDPE supports sustainable farming, forestry and agri-food
sectors
Summary
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is a
seven-year £3.9 billion national programme (2007-2013) jointly
funded by the EU and the Department for Environment, Farming and
Rural Affairs (Defra). The budget for South West England is about
£800 million.
RDPE supports and promotes sustainable farming, forestry and
agri-food sectors – all of which bring wider benefits to the
economy, the environment and rural communities.
Objectives
The RDPE is based on an EU Rural Development Regulation with
four objectives, called Axes:
Axis 1
Improving the competitiveness of the farming
and forestry sectors (approx. 10% of the national budget)
Axis 2
Improving the environment and countryside
(approx. 80% of the national budget)
Axis 3
Improving the quality of life in rural areas
and promoting diversification of the rural economy (approx. 10% of
the national budget)
Axis 4
The Regulation also says that at least 5% of
the overall budget must be channelled through a community-led
approach to rural development which builds on earlier EU Leader
initiatives. In South West England this is Local Action for rural
communities.
The Government has tasked Regional Development Agencies with
managing Axes 1 and 3 and the community-led approach, because the
aims of those Axes are closely aligned with the RDA remit for
promoting sustainable economic growth. The South West RDA manages
the £156.8 million available to help land-based businesses and
rural communities in South West England to take advantage of new
technologies, to learn new skills, to move into new areas of
economic activity and to work collaboratively to develop
communities and businesses.
Natural England and the Forestry Commission manage the
environmental elements of the programme, namely Axis 2, at a
national level. There is over £800 million available for this
region’s farmers and land managers to benefit from the national
programmes to improve the environment and the countryside.
Based on a thorough analysis of South West England’s rural
characteristics and economy, a Regional Implementation Plan sets
the strategy and themes for investment in the region.
Funding themes
The eight themes for funding are:
- Business support
- Skills development
- Supply chain and adding value
- Resource management
- Sustainable rural tourism
- Social enterprise
- Local Action
- Biodiversity and landscape.
Futher information
Date case study written: April 2010.
Contact: South West RDA press office by email
news.enquiries@southwestrda.org.uk or telephone 01392 229389