Supply Chain Development Programme
The Supply Chain Development Programme is funded under Axis 1 of the Rural Development Programme. It aims to improve co-operation and collaboration in the agri-food and forestry sectors leading to more effective and sustainable supply chains.
Support will facilitate co-operation and collaboration in supply chains between producers, processors and others.
Support will facilitate the development of ideas and initiatives that improve the effectiveness and sustainability of supply chains.
Support will facilitate the development of new supply chain relationships
Who can apply?
Groups with two or more businesses from the agriculture, horticulture or forestry supply chains are eligible to apply to the Supply Chain Development Programme. Groups must consist of farmers/growers but may also include processors and/or other suppliers of the produce of agriculture, horticulture or forestry.
What funding is available?
Successful applicants to the Supply Chain Development Programme will be eligible to receive a package of support that includes all or some of the following:
• Facilitation/Mentoring — A facilitator and/or mentor will be provided to help a group progress their supply chain initiative. A maximum of 50 days is available within the following limits:-
Facilitation - up to a maximum of 5 days per month.
Mentoring - up to a maximum of 10 days per year.
• Training — Funding is available towards training of group members in order to develop the capability of the group to achieve its goals.
• Use of Business Tools — Funding is available for business tools, for example, benchmarking, lean manufacturing or value chain analysis.
• Co-operation Support — Funding is available towards costs associated with professional services or advice.
How do I apply?
The opening and closing dates for schemes/programmes supported by the Rural Development Programme are advertised and promoted widely. Please check the
When Can I Apply? section of the website for details of what schemes are open for applications. Depending on the scheme, application forms may be available for download.
The Supply Chain Development Programme is delivered by the Countryside Agri-Rural Partnership, you can contact them directly on 0845 026 7538, or at
supplychain@countrysiderural.co.ukRural Enterprise Adviser
Rural Enterprise Advisers are part of Supply Chain Development branch, DARD, and aim to increase the uptake of Rural Development Support provided by DARD including support for Farm Diversification. They do this by:
- providing advice on DARD support services and programmes
- facilitating farm diversification by providing business advice and mentoring
To find your local Rural Enterprise Adviser, please click on the link below
Frequently asked questions
Do groups have to be legally constituted to apply?
No. However, as the group develops it will need a bank account in the name of the group to avail of some of the elements of the Supply Chain Development Programme.
Can an individual business apply?
No. The Supply Chain Development Programme is only available to groups with two or more businesses and must include at least one farmer/grower.
Can one or more members of the group be a processor or retailer?
Yes. While the Supply Chain Development Programme has been designed primarily for groups of farmers/growers, groups may include processors and/or other suppliers of the produce of agriculture, horticulture or forestry.
