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Rural Funding

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) jointly funded by the EU, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the UK Government provides a wide range support for capital projects and training for rural businesses and rural communities. A significant proportion of the RDPE funds is being distributed through the LEADER approach which involves establishing Local Action Groups, who each receive a budget to support projects to implement a local development strategy.

The Local Action Groups in Hampshire, consisting of a wide range of sector and industry representatives, have been awarded a total of £6 million of Leader funding to help revitalise and support rural businesses and rural communities by giving grants to farmers, growers, foresters, food businesses and rural communities.

LEADER will support a range of schemes to create wealth in rural areas. For example, to help increase the sale value of local produce; to provide renewable energy which will reduce businesses' running costs and tackle climate change; and to increase profits from tourism. The funds will help develop new enterprises as well as providing major opportunities for businesses and communities to work together to invest in their future.

To find out more about LEADER funding in your area, including how to apply for a grant, contact the Local Action Group:

Fieldfare
Covers Winchester and East Hampshire districts

Loddon and Eversley Leader
Covers North Hampshire area
Programme manager: Emily Preston, tel: 07545 355449, email: emily.preston@hants.gov.uk

Plain Action
This Salisbury Plain focussed programme covers the north-west part of Test Valley from north of Stockbridge, but excludes Andover.