Rural Development

During the previous funding period, 2000-2006, DARD offered support to the agriculture, food, forestry and broader rural economic sectors under a range of European Union funded programmes such as the Rural Development Regulation Plan, the Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity, the LEADER+ programme,  the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and Interreg III programme.  

The simplification of EU funding streams in 2005 has meant that support can now be provided through one programme, the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (NIRDP), and one fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).  DARD’s vision for the new Rural Development Programme is one which will help protect and enhance our rural environment and contribute to the development of competitive and sustainable rural businesses and thriving rural communities.