The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) focuses on three themes. These are:

  • Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector
  • Improving the environment and the countryside
  • Improving the quality of life in rural areas, and
    encouraging diversification of the rural economy.

Find out more about the RDPE by reading our Rural Business Support special supplement in the Yorkshire Post.

How is the RDPE delivered?

The RDPE is being delivered by 3 different organisations:
  • The Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) deliver the socio-economic aspects of the RDPE on a regional basis and Yorkshire Forward is responsible for delivery of RDPE funds in the Yorkshire & Humber region. 
     
  • The delivery of the agri-environment schemes (such as Environmental Stewardship) and forestry schemes are the responsibility of Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

What is Yorkshire Forward’s involvement?

Yorkshire Forward is responsible for delivering the socio-economic elements of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The programme, which is jointly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the UK Government, will enable Yorkshire Forward to deliver over £63 million of investment.

Who can access RDPE funding?

RDPE investment is available to farmers and rural entrepreneurs to support the start up of new businesses and the growth of existing enterprises.  The fund also supports skills development in agriculture and forestry, and helps communities to make the most of their local heritage and cultural assets.

Which programmes are funded by RDPE?

We work with partners in our region to design and deliver programmes though which businesses and communities can benefit from RDPE funding. These are:

  • LEADER - LEADER empowers local communities to get involved in improving the places where they live. The programme focuses on basic services, culture and heritage, village development, and renewal
  • The Rural Enterprise Investment Programme (REIP) - REIP offers funding to help rural businesses start up or expand. Minimum grants of £25,000 are available.
  • The Rural Business Support Programme (RBSP) - RBSP aims to encourage the start up and diversification of economic activity in key rural sectors.
  • LandSkills - LandSkills helps to develop the specialist skills essential to the development of the agricultural, horticultural and forestry sectors
  • The Farm Resource Efficiency Programme (FREP) - FREP is a small capital-grants programme which helps farmers introduce new technology to promote efficiency in energy, manure management and water resource management.

RDPE briefings and reports

Yorkshire Forward is responsible for managing the delivery of Axis 1 funding for farming and forestry competitiveness; Axis 3 funding for rural development, and; Axis 4 funding for LEADER rural community partnerships.

Read our RDPE breifing and the RDPE partners briefing, which outline how we are managing our portion of RDPE funding.

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