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Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

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What is the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)?

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is a £3.9 billion seven year programme (2007-13), jointly funded by the European Union and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  Its aims are to safeguard and enhance the rural environment, improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and foster sustainable and thriving rural businesses and rural economies across England.

In Lancashire, the RDPE programme will focus on the following three themes, or axis, these are:

  • Axis 1 – improving the competitiveness of the farming and forestry sectors
  • Axis 2 – improving the environment and the countryside
  • Axis 3 – rural quality of life and diversification of the rural economy

Axis 1 & 3 will be managed by Lancashire Economic Partnership.  Axis 2 will be delivered by Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

Within Axis 1 & 3 there are seven measures, these are:

  • Adding Value to Agriculture & Forestry Products
  • Diversification into Non Agricultural Activities
  • Support for the Creation & Development of Micro Enterprises
  • Co-operation for the Development of New Products
  • Encouragement of Tourism
  • Vocational Training and Information Actions
  • Basic Services

For more details on each of the measures listed above visit the Details of Measures page.