RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR ENGLAND
The new Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) opened for business on the 18th January 2008 and will run to 2013; it replaces the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP). The RDPE is jointly funded by the EU, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the UK Government. The RDPE provides a wide range support for capital projects and training for farmers, growers, foresters, food businesses and rural communities. On the Island it will only support large collaborative projects, all other projects will be handled through the LEADER method of delivery, which is a competitive local selection approach.
ISLE OF WIGHT LEADER
The Island has secured grant funding of £2.6 million to help boost the local rural economy. The money will be made available to farmers, growers and other rural based businesses including those involved in the tourism sector and rural communities.
The themes selected for the Island application are:
Increasing the economic value of farming and land management
Support for the wider rural economy
Increasing the vitality of the rural settlements
To promote the rural heritage
Applications are selected on a competitive basis. Projects funded will be those that best fit with the priorities outlined in the Island’s Local Development Strategy and updated by the Local Action Group in May 2009. These are:
Top priority
Modernisation of agricultural holdings
Improving the economic value of forests
Adding value to agricultural and forestry products
Co-operation for the development of new products, processes and technologies in the agriculture and food sector and the forestry sector
Diversification into non-agricultural activities that support food & land-based products and job creation
Creation and development of innovative & enterprising rural micro businesses that specifically support the wider rural economy
Secondary priority
Encouragement of collaborative tourism activities
Basic services for the economy and rural population
Village renewal and development
Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
Implementing co-operative projects between LEADER Local Action Groups
LEADER for Farmers, Foresters and Growers
Farmers and growers may be eligible for grant aid if they have projects that seek to modernise agricultural holdings, improve the economic value of forests or add value to agricultural or forestry products. In addition, for farmers working co-operatively, there is aid for the development of new products, processes and technologies. Production cannot be supported. Aid rates vary depending on individual projects, but are in the region of 40% - 50%.
For details of LEADER for farmers and growers please click here
LEADER for Rural Businesses
Micro-business may be eligible for grant aid of up to 50% on capital projects. Grants are available to existing businesses wishing to expand, and to encourage new business to start up. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate that their application specifically focuses on rural areas, and supports the wider rural economy.
For details of LEADER for rural businesses please click here
LEADER for Rural Communities
Capital grants are available for small scale infrastructure projects that develop or enhance community buildings, village approaches, main streets, amenity spaces, workspaces and village landscapes. Capital funding is also available for the expansion of cultural and leisure activities, development of community buildings to provide basic services, community enterprises and renewables for community buildings. Local community groups seeking to maintain, restore or upgrade local cultural heritage features are also invited to apply. Grant aid can be up to 80%. Applicants must be constituted groups. Individuals cannot apply.
For details of LEADER for rural communities please click here
Making a LEADER application
LEADER is a competitive process. Projects funded will be those that best fit with the priorities outlined in the Island’s Local Development Strategy. We recommend that applicants read this. However please note that our LEADER Priorities have been updated since the LDS was completed.
Please click here to view the Isle of Wight LEADER Local Development Strategy. For latest information on LEADER priorities click here.
The LEADER application is a two stage process. We ask you to complete an Expression of Interest form so that we can check that your idea is eligible. If it is, we will ask you to complete a full application. At this stage we will also require supporting documents and possibly a business plan. The application process will take at least two months, so we recommend you contact us well in advance of your project delivery dates.
If you would like to make an enquiry, please click here
Alternatively please contact Carol Flux on (01983) 535836 or email carol.flux@iwep.com