Rural Development Programme for England

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is a package of funds aimed at stimulating rural development and is jointly funded by the EU, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the Government.  The programme runs from 2007-13.

The national RDPE budget is now £3.7 billion. £3.1 billion of the total budget is allocated to agri-environment and other land management schemes.  The remaining £600 million is allocated through the Regional Development Agencies to Local Action Groups (see RDPE implementation) or in other ways, to make agriculture and forestry more competitive and sustainable and to enhance opportunity in rural areas. For details of the national programme go to the DEFRA website.

RDPE is built around 4 Axes. Cumbria County Council manages the delivery of Axis 1 and 3 using the Leader approach (Axis 4).

Axis 1 – improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sectors;
Axis 1 encourages the modernisation of farms and improving the value of 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 wood fuel and biomass. It promotes improved skills access and employment within the farming and forestry sectors

Axis 2 – improving the environment and the countryside;

Axis 3 – quality of life in rural areas and developing the rural economy;
Axis 3 encourages entrepreneurial and socio-economic activity, develops micro-businesses and supports rural service provision. It also promotes farm diversification, rural tourism and support for community groups.

Axis 4 – the Leader approach
The Leader approach is a delivery mechanism. It enables a “bottom up”, community led approach to the delivery of RDPE funding in rural areas.