Rural Development and Rural Policy

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has responsibility for rural development and rural policy in Northern Ireland. These responsibilities include the management and implementation of the Rural Development Programme, the development of the Rural White Paper Action Plan, rural proofing and the promotion of integrated rural policy making across government.

DARD acts as the managing authority for the Rural Development Programme in Northern Ireland and is responsible for its implementation. The Rural Development Programme is jointly funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and DARD.

Growing Opportunities Together is a dedicated website on the Rural Development Programme which provides information on grants available under the programme and how to apply.  Further information can be found on the following link

The Rural White Paper Action Plan is the outcome of an Executive initiative led by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development which aims to identify and address the key issues and challenges facing rural areas. More information on the Rural White Paper Action Plan is available as follows

The Department promotes the implementation of rural proofing across all government Departments in Northern Ireland. More information on rural proofing is available at the following link