European programmes, including Objectives 1 and 2, LEADER+ and the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) support initiatives that keep wealth in the local economy. They help rural businesses market their produce more effectively, learn new skills, develop new business ideas and grow in sustainable ways.
We support farm tourism and leisure ventures, farmers markets and other food initiatives which give economic, social and environmental benefits. Also, social enterprise initiatives that assist rural enterprises set up with social, rather than predominantly profitable aims, eg Community Transport Initiatives, rural shops, local credit unions etc.
We work with regional partners to ensure these programmes are properly integrated with other funding streams and strategies such as the Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy.
