The RDPE is a seven-year programme (2007-2013) delivering money allocated to England from the EU and Defra via the European Fund for Rural Development. It aims to support and promote sustainable farming, forestry and food sectors, and also aims to bring wider benefits for the economy, the environment and rural communities.

“The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), with Environmental Stewardship at its heart, aims to safeguard and enhance the rural environment, improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and foster competitive and sustainable rural businesses and thriving rural communities.” (Defra, November 2007)

Transfer of Rural Development Programme for England delivery from the RDAs to Defra

On 1 July 2011 responsibility for the delivery of the socio-economic elements of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) – which comprises support for farming and forestry competitiveness, diversification of the rural economy and rural quality of life under Axis 1 and 3 of the RDPE and for management of community-led Leader approach - transferred from the eight Regional Development Agencies to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Further information about these changes – including the new office locations and contact details - is available on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/rdpe/.

You can contact the team at:

North East RDPE, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE4 7YH

The following Team members will be located at this address and their new contact details following transfer to Defra, are:

Name	Email Address	Telephone Number
Adrian Sherwood	adrian.sherwood@defra.gsi.gov.uk	0191 226 5068
Victoria Catesby	victoria.catesby@defra.gsi.gov.uk	0191 226 5857
Kirsten Young	kirsten.young@defra.gsi.gov.uk	0191 226 5831
Christine Page	christine.page@defra.gsi.gov.uk	0191 226 5246
Fay Collington	tbc	0191 226 5436
Pippa Herron	pippa.herron@defra.gsi.gov.uk	0191 226 5159
Tuppy Kearse	tuppy.kearse@defra.gsi.gov.uk	0191 226 5829
Ian Kirtley	ian.kirtley@defra.gsi.gov.uk	0191 226 5300
Michael Lazzari	mike.lazzari@defra.gsi.gov.uk	0191 226 5037

 

There is a national budget of £3.9bn until 2013, of which approximately £22.5m p/a will be allocated to the agri-environment and other land management schemes in North East England. These schemes will be managed by Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

Around £8m each year is allocated to One North East to deliver the socio-economic elements of the programme in the region. This money will be targeted at making agriculture and forestry more competitive and sustainable, and to enhance opportunities in rural areas.

For more information about RDPE and how to access funding please visit the RDPE website for North East England www.rdpenortheast.co.uk

RDPE Business Support

LEADER Approach

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