Helen Diplock (Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs) gave a presentation on Eu funding 2014-2020 (next rural development programme) on 29 April 2013. Find out more about NCVO's work on European funding: http://europeanfundingnetwork.eu/

1. NCVO: EU Funding 2014-2020
Next Rural Development Programme
Presented by: Helen Diplock
Date: 29 April 2013

2. Today’s event is part of our ongoing
discussions with interested parties on the
new Rural Development Programme....
• Early 2014 - submit new programme document to
the European Commission
• January 2015 – new programme starts
...for which we have a clear timetable.
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3. • Improving the
environment
• Farm competitiveness,
forestry and rural growth
• LEADER / rural
communities
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The current Rural Development Programme
for England delivers £3.7bn of investment...
...and is due to end on 31 December 2013.
Environment, £2.980bn
Leader,
£0.135bn
Rural growth and
competitiveness,
£0.585bn

4. The current programme is funding activity
that has made a real difference to the
environment and rural areas...
• 70% of utilised agricultural area covered by agri-
environment schemes
• £162m spent on improving quality of life in rural
areas and diversifying the rural economy
• 16,600 jobs created or safeguarded in farming
and the rural economy
• 64 Leader Groups in local communities across
70% of rural England
...and we are already committed to significant spend
in the new programme.
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5. Ministers have set out objectives for Defra...
• Growing the rural economy
• Improving the environment
• Safeguarding animal health
• Safeguarding plant health
...and their view on use of CAP monies.
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“I believe that taxpayers’
money should be used to
support public goods for
which there is no market
mechanism such as the
contribution farming makes
to our habitats and wildlife.”
Owen Paterson - Secretary of
State, Defra

6. Some key points remain to be finalised.
• England Rural Development Programme budget
• Agreeing CAP reform package with European
Parliament
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7. However other aspects are clear.
• New EU Rural Development Regulation has more
flexibility - six priorities, no more axes
• Leader continues
• Now part of European Structural and Investment
Funds
• Have to plan on basis funding will be tight
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Rural Development objectives
• Focus on measurable outcomes
• Better value for money
• Simpler, more flexible system
• Effective transition

8. New schemes will deliver more flexibly across
the 6 priorities of the Rural Development
Regulation 2014-20.
• Fostering knowledge transfer and innovation
• Enhancing competitiveness and farm viability
• Promoting food chain organisation and risk management
• Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems
• Promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift
towards a low carbon and climate resilient economy
• Promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic
development in rural areas.
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9. We have started to develop the next rural
development programme for England...
• What has worked, or not, under the current
Programme?
• Where the next RDP has a role in delivering
government objectives
• How do we get best value for money?
...to provide Ministers with a basis on which to take
decisions.
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10. What are your thoughts:
• What role could voluntary organisations play
under the new programme?
• What activities would you like Rural Development
funds to focus on?
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