£500m Rural Development Programme Announced

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Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has announced European Commission approval of the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme (RDP).

villageThe Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 was approved by the EU’s Rural Development Committee on 24 July 2007. The new programme is worth over £500 million and is comprised of fourteen separate measures aimed at improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector, improving the environment and the countryside and contributing towards the quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy.

The Minister said “I am delighted to announce this significant investment in our rural areas.. My priority now is to see this funding made available to rural areas as soon as possible."

The new programme will be delivered by DARD and a range of external delivery bodies. It contains the following measures:

  • 1.1 Vocational Training and Information Actions (Better Business)
  • 1.2 Adding Value to Agricultural and Forestry Products and Improving Marketing Capability
  • 1.3 Farm Modernisation
  • 1.4 Supply Chain Development Programme
  • 2.1 Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowances Scheme
  • 2.2 Agri-environment programme
  • 2.3 First afforestation (forest expansion)
  • 2.4 Forest environments
  • 3.1 Diversification into non-agricultural activities
  • 3.2 Business creation and development
  • 3.3 Encouragement of tourism activities
  • 3.4 Basic services for the economy and rural population
  • 3.5 Village renewal and development
  • 3.6 Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage

www.dardni.gov.uk



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