Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007-2013
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and aims to improve competitiveness in the agriculture and forestry sector; safeguard and enhance the rural environment; foster competitive and sustainable rural businesses and thriving rural communities.
The Rural Development Programme for England supports rural areas in a number of ways which recognise the connections between agricultural and economic development, environmental stewardship and community sustainability. The Programme looks to support farmers and foresters to deliver environmentally beneficial land management practices, which are not always supported by the market. The Programme will also assist the farming and forestry sectors to modernise and adapt to changing circumstances. Funding is also available to develop wider rural businesses and enhance opportunities in communities where deprivation exists.
The RDPE is built around 4 ‘Axes’ or objectives:
- Axis 1 – improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector;
- Axis 2 – improving the environment and the countryside;
- Axis 3 – quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy;
- Axis 4 – The LEADER programme
The key priorities for the remainder of the current Programme (ends December-2013), which is jointly funded by Defra and the EU, are to improve the competitiveness of the agriculture and forestry sectors, provide support for the uplands, rural broadband, skills and tourism and ensure continued growth of Environmental Stewardship.
Defra has launched the Rural Community Broadband Fund (RCBF), with confirmed funding of £20m. This enables the funding of superfast broadband projects in the most hard to reach areas in England. The Fund is being delivered as part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). The first round for expressions of interest is open until 31 January 2012.
The government has announced a package of new measures designed to stimulate sustainable growth in the rural economy and help businesses reach their full potential. The measures, some of which are supported through RDPE, fall into five themes: Enabling Rural Business to Grow and Diversify; Supporting Rural Tourism; Expanding our Food and Drink Sector; Delivering Green Growth; Reducing Regulation on Farms.
LEADER
At present (2011) the Yorkshire Dales LEADER Programme is not seeking further applications from community led projects to the LEADER programme.
The aim of the Yorkshire Dales LEADER Programme is to address the problems of 'rurality' within the Yorkshire Dales through building a sustainable community and economy that capitalises on the area's internationally recognised environment, landscape, culture and heritage.
Three themes have shaped the LEADER programme;
- Creating Stronger Communities
- Capitalising on its Environment
- Encouraging Economic Growth
These will enable communities in the area to respond to new opportunities and challenges, making the most of the outstanding natural environment that they live in and contributing to long term economic sustainability. The intention of LEADER is not to provide continuation support for existing projects.
If you feel you have a new project which falls into the above themes and the project is based in the LEADER area ( view the map of the Yorkshire Dales LEADER area), then the initial idea you have for your project should be discussed with the Project Coordinator, who will check about its suitability for LEADER funding. This may involve a site visit from the Coordinator, to speak further about the project or to see the location where the project will take place. If your project is feasible, and will help to deliver Yorkshire Dales Local Development Strategy, you will be invited to complete to complete the LEADER Application Form.
To discuss your project further or to discuss developing an application, please talk with the Dales LEADER Coordinator on 015242 51002 / 077879 70083 or email
Rima.Berry@ydmt.org .