Rural Development Programme for England

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is a seven year funding programme, running from 2007-13, for rural businesses and communities.

In the East of England the priorities for the funding and support offered through RDPE for businesses will include;

Business efficiency: focusing on knowledge transfer, skills development and collaboration. The aim is to increase supply-chain efficiency for the agricultural, food and forestry industries, encourage water and energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy and reduce waste. 

New markets and products: supporting new product development and marketing. Developing markets for existing food, farming and forestry products and supporting the creation of new markets and products for the agricultural, food and forestry industries.

New businesses and enterprises in the rural economy: supporting new business development in the land based sector by creating new employment opportunities. This will broaden the rural economic base and support diversification of agricultural and forestry businesses. 

Visit the RDPE section on the EEDA website for more information.