Presentation 2008 Lag

Rural Development Programme 2007-13

Belfast, Castlereagh and Lisburn Councils

Jane Taylor DARD

What is Rural Development?

In the 1980’s it was recognised that agriculture could not sustain the rural economy by itself.

Decreasing farm incomes / employment leading to “rural exodus” and loss of infrastructure eg shops, post offices

1991 – Creation of Rural Development Branch within DARD

Rural Development Programmes

• 1991 – 1993

• 1994 – 1999

• 2000 – 2006

• 2007 - 2013

Budget £6.5m

£55m

~£100m

>£500m (Rural Dev now including agri-environment schemes

/ forestry)

Rural Development Programme2007-2013

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).  

DARD’s vision for the new Rural Development Programme is one which will help protect and

enhance our rural environment and contribute to the development of competitive and sustainable rural

businesses and thriving rural communities.

Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-13 (NIRDP)

Axis 1• Improving the competitiveness of the agriculture

and forestry sector – value £45m

Axis 2• Improving the environment & countryside

through land management – value £388m

Axis 3• Improving quality of life through diversification of

economic activity – value £100m

Proposed Measures Axis 1- Improving competitiveness of agriculture and forestry

Measure 1.1 Vocational Training and Information Actions:

BETTER BUSINESS (3 projects)

•Benchmarking

•Focus Farms

•Family Farm Options

1.2 Adding Value to Agriculture & Forestry Products & Improving Market capability

1.3 Farm Modernisation

1.4 Supply Chain Development Programme

Axis 2- Improving the environment and countryside

Measure 2.1 Less Favoured Areas compensatory Allowance Scheme

2.2 Management of Agriculture Land within Natura 2000

2.3 Agricultural Environment Programme

2.4 First Afforestation (forest expansion)

2.5 Forest Environment Payments

Axis 3

£ 100m

Axis 3

Measure 3.1 - Diversification into non-agricultural activities

Objective Assist farm households to diversify into non agricultural activities to increase income streams.

Target A member of a farm household

Budget £20m

Axis 3

Measure 3.2 – Micro Business Creation and development

Objective Promoting entrepreneurship and developing economic infrastructure

Target Micro-enterprises

Budget £20m

Axis 3Measure 3.3 – Encouragement of tourism

Objective Use natural resources in rural NI to attract visitors and create new tourist opportunities

Target Rural Dwellers, private business, socio-economic sector, Councils

Budget £12m

Axis 3

Measure 3.4 – Basic Service for the economy and rural population

Objective Improve and maintain living and welfare of those living in rural areas.

Target Rural Dwellers

Budget £12m

Axis 3Measure 3.5 – Village renewal and development

Objective To support integrated village initiatives which promote cross-community development and regeneration

Target A village or group of villages & surrounding areas.

Budget £12m

Axis 3Measure 3.6 – Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage

Objective Preserve and upgrade NI’s rural heritage, use the natural and build environment.

Target Rural Dwellers

Budget £4m

Axis 3

• Job creation targets

• 3.1 – 400 new jobs• 3.2 – 700 new jobs• 3.3 – 50 new jobs• 3.4 – 10 new jobs• 3.5 – 10 new jobs

TOTAL 1170

LINKING THE RDP TO OTHER STRATEGIES

e.g. -• Anti poverty• Shared Future• Positive Steps• Race Equality Strategy• Strategy for Children and Young People

Progress

Progress to date :-• Delivery through councils is well underway with

all 26 councils agreed to engage in delivery • 7 confirmed clusters• All 7 council clusters have started animation

phase• DARD hope to sign contracts with councils for

delivery of the programme mid 2008 with the programme open for applications later this year.

Council Clusters

• Antrim, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus• Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Moyle, Larne• Omagh, Derry, Limavady, Strabane• Cookstown,Dungannon, Fermanagh, Magherafelt • Ards, Banbridge, Down, North Down• Lisburn, Belfast, Castlereagh, • Armagh, Craigavon,Newry and Mourne

How the Rural Development Programme will be delivered

• DARD is the Managing Authority designated by the member state to manage the NI RDP.

• DARD will contract with councils for delivery of Axis 3.

• Councils will appoint a Local Action Group through open competition.

Model of structures for delivery of RDP

Applicant DARD

LAG

Joint Comm

Admin Unit

Application

Claims

Issue Letter of Offer

Payment

Contact Details

• Gareth Evans• Jane Taylor• Nigel McFadden

Ecos Centre

Ballymena

Tel 028 2563 2199