About the Rural Development Programme
The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is jointly funded by the European Union, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).
The Programme aims to protect and enhance our rural environment and contribute to the development of competitive and sustainable rural businesses and thriving rural communities. It is worth over £500million and represents one of the largest ever investments in rural communities in Northern Ireland.
The RDP is split into three main areas:
- Farming and Food (Also known as Axis 1);
- Environment and Countryside (Also known as Axis 2); and
- Rural Life (Also known as Axis 3)
Under Farming and Food, £45million will be made available to improve the performance of Agriculture and Forestry businesses. This will be achieved by funding farm modernisation projects, helping businesses to improve their processing and marketing skills and supporting projects that will strength supply chain partnerships. Advice, mentoring and training is also available for farmers and their families.
£390million of the total budget will be allocated to Environment and Countryside. This funding will help farmers to manage the land more sustainably and deliver important outcomes on biodiversity, landscape and climate change.
£100million will be dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural areas. This will be achieved by supporting a wide range of projects which include diversification, business creation, tourism, basic services for rural communities, village renewal, conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.
