Growing Opportunities Together - Rural Development Programme Website

The Rural Development Programme (RDP) is aimed at improving the economic, social and environmental conditions in rural areas throughout Northern Ireland.

It brings together a wide range of support schemes and programmes for the farming, forestry and primary processing sectors, rural enterprise and business development, diversification and rural tourism. It includes measures to support and encourage rural communities and delivers the LEADER initiative for local innovation in rural areas.

Whether you are a farmer, a member of a farm family, community organisations or one of the many other people who live or work in the countryside, the RDP may be able to help you. From farm modernisation, training and advice, to developing a new business idea or simply wanting to play a part in enhancing your local community, support may be at hand.  

This website contains a range of information on what is available. It includes details of who can apply, how to apply and who to contact for further information and also showcases a number of successful projects which demonstrate what can be achieved. We hope it will inspire you, help you to determine what the RDP can do to support you, and demonstrate how you can play a part in growing opportunities together.

The Rural Development Programme (RDP) is an initiative managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).