Rural Development Programme for England Dr Dominic Rowland Defra The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas

Structure of Presentation Introduction to the Rural Development Programme for England Priorities for funding Delivery approach Funding for livestock sector (including animal health and welfare)

Introduction to RDPE Pillar II of the Common Agricultural Policy Seven year programme Jointly funded by Defra and EU (approx £3.9bn) Replaces ERDP

Axis I improving competitiveness of the agriculture and forestry sector Axis II improving the environment and countryside through land management Axis III improving quality of life through diversification of economic activity Axis IV: LEADER (minimum 5% expenditure) 12 measures Minimum 10% expenditure Innovation, knowledge transfer, restructuring, building capacity 10 measures Minimum 25% expenditure Landscape, biodiversity, Natura 2000, forestry 7 measures Minimum 10% expenditure Diversification, enterprise, heritage, building capacity

Priorities for funding

RDPE – environmental priorities for funding Agri-environment schemes, including Environmental Stewardship (£2.9bn) Conserve wildlife (biodiversity) Natural resource protection Maintain & enhance landscape quality and character Protect the historic environment Promote access & understanding of the countryside Also: Genetic conservation Flood management

RDPE – priorities English Woodland Grant Scheme (£230m) supports the sustainable creation and management of woodland Hill Farm Allowance provides dedicated support to farmers in upland areas, recognising the difficulties that farmers face in these regions and the role they play in maintaining the landscape and rural communities of the hills

RDPE – socio-economic priorities Axis 1 – farm competitiveness (£300m) o Training o Cooperation o adding value to products and improving production techniques Around £107 million is targeted at the livestock farming sector, to reflect the specific challenges the sector faces Axis 3 – broader rural economy and community (£300m) o Diversification out of agriculture o Sustainable tourism o Rural micro-businesses o Community measures

Delivery approach

Delivery Agri-environment schemes; Energy Crops Scheme Woodland support schemes Social and economic investment; management of the Leader approach

Leader approach Bottom up, community led approach to rural development Funding through Local Action Groups selected at the regional level Funding will come from RDAs 64 Local Action Groups in all regions of England

Funding for livestock sector (including animal health and welfare)

Livestock package Around £107m Objectives: Competitiveness Nutrient management Animal health and welfare Activities Vocational training Modernisation of agricultural holdings Adding value to agricultural products Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies

Case studies (1) Woburn country foods - Collaborative meat cutting and processing facility, farmers selling and marketing under their own and local generic brands (£300k) Landskills East programme - £4.5m RDPE funding with £600k specifically allocated for the livestock sector. Vocational and higher level skills learning Fenwicks Catering Butchery (£236K) – localising supply of animals; introducing new cuts and cures Animal health and welfare planning - University of Liverpool and Kite Consultancy - £700,000 and SAC for on for activity - £2.28million (NWDA)

Case Studies(2) Livestock Health South East (£837k over two years) animal health and welfare training provided by a consortium of veterinary practices and others (NFU, EBLEX, BPEX, Dairy Co, ADAS). Managed by the Westpoint Veterinary group. Landskills Yorkshire and Humber (£600K pa) managed by Lantra, steered by Industry Advisory Board, including vets. Contracted trainers include:

Landskills Yorkshire and the Humber Bishopton Vets: beef and dairy focus farms, dairy health workshops, Yorkshire herdsman certificate, modules on issues such as mastitis, lameness, fertility, and nutrition.

Landskills Yorkshire and the Humber Minster Vets: poultry training from bio- security to handling, housing, environment, welfare and lab practical.

Get involved Check your Regional Implementation Plan or RDPE prospectus Contact your local Business Link Discuss your idea with your Regional Development Agency

Any questions?