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Homepage > Rural Affairs > ERDP > Documents > Regional > South West > Regional Activities > Proposed Activities

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2.5.2 Description of Proposed Activities and How They Will Achieve the Required Objectives

419. Each of the general activities listed in 2.5.1 is linked to those objectives it does most to achieve, and illustrates the specific activities which could be pursued within this broader category and example outputs. These specific activities and example outputs are not intended to be either comprehensive or prescriptive, but reflect ideas arising through the regional consultation process. The specific activities are then linked to potential regionally-targeted measures under the Rural Development Regulation, if any apply.

Key for Measures, where abbreviated:

CS = Countryside Stewardship;

D/I Projects = Demonstration/Integrating Projects;

PMG = Processing and Marketing;

Provision of integrated environmental and business advice to sustain regional diversity and distinctiveness

420. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2
• Economic: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
• Environmental: 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3

Table 2.8

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Integrated farm business plans	Project advisory teams	Article 33
Targeted integrated business advice	Marketing plans and strategies Assistance with statutory planning process Integrated rural grant scheme application systems	Article 33
Targeted integrated environmental advice	Enhanced accessibility to ELM schemes	CS, Article 33
Project management and delivery	Small farm business services Mobile advice clinics One-stop shop application assistance	Article 33
Pump priming to release asset value	Farm business chest Business plans Woodland plans	Article 33 IAH
Development of rural facilitator role and networks combining public, private and voluntary sectors	One stop shops Network integration Access to specialist technical advice Best practice to develop advisory support, project management and networks	Article 33 Training
Whole farm appraisals	Support for farm diversification and gateway to incentives	Article 33
Knowledge and best practice transfer	Media access for success stories Networks to enhance farmer involvement	Article 33 Training
Farming Community support networks	Skills/labour rings Rural stress networks Advisory/extension services via paid referrals	Article 33 Training
Information exchanges	Farm relief services	Article 33
Community development projects	Community empowerment models (e.g. Levels And Moors Partnership) Animateurs - parish business ambassadors	Article 33 Training

Demonstration projects and pilot initiatives to inform and disseminate good practice in integrated rural development

421. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.3, 2.1, 2.4, 3.3, 4.2, 4.4
• Economic: 1.1, 2.2, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.3
• Environmental: 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.3

Table 2.9

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Renewable energy crop development	Field-scale harvestable energy crops Use of forest residues as a wood fuel	D/I Projects Energy Crops
Lowland livestock extensification	Restoration of heather moorland through stocking reductions Pilot grazing schemes Livestock systems studies	D/I Projects
Integrated scheme advice (one stop shop)	Advisory project teams in remote/disadvantage areas	D/I Projects PMG
Area-based integrated rural development initiatives	Diversification opportunities Targeted incentives	D/I Projects
Whole farm approaches to environmental land management	Best practice examples Biodiversity and landscape enhancements	D/I Projects
Demonstration units/trials	Renewable energy generation plant Crops with medicinal uses Essential oils Fibre crops	D/I Projects
Complementary measures and mechanisms with outputs additional to main targets	Farmers' wives support circles Enhanced networks for young farmers	D/I Projects Training
Integrated woodland establishment, management and marketing	Woodlands for designated product destination	D/I Projects Forestry
Product development	Marketing skills training Exemplar products Environmental product	D/I Projects Article 33

Feasibility studies to explore and develop new approaches to integrated rural development

422. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 2.4, 3.2, 3.3, 4.3
• Economic: 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 4.1
• Environmental: 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.3

Table 2.10

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Facilitator and animateur models	Best practice to develop advisory support, project management and networks	Article 33 Training
Development of quality management systems	Product certification Farm Attraction quality standards and grading system	Article 33 PMG Training
Feasibility studies for business development	Venture capital business plans	Article 33
Review of UK/Euro/Worldwide demo projects	Enhanced networks	-
Assessment of consumption patterns and sourcing of produce	Marketing opportunities for local businesses	Article 33
Assessment of rural tourism market opportunities	Marketing opportunities for local businesses	Article 33
Assessment of options for marketing and distribution of regional products	Marketing opportunities for local businesses	Article 33 PMG
Support for collaborative activity	Machinery rings Skills pools	Article 33 Training

Rural tourism and recreation initiatives

423. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.4, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2
• Economic: 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
• Environmental: 2.1, 2.2, 3.3

Table 2.11

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Promotion of regional rural distinctiveness	New and enhanced tourism and leisure facilities Develop inter-linked coast and countryside tourism products	Article 33
Assistance for upgrading facilities	En-suite farmhouse accommodation	Article 33
Quality management systems	Farm Attraction quality standards and grading system	Article 33 Training
Visitor education and interpretation facilities	Information boards at tourist hotspots Woodland recreation schemes	Article 33 Forestry
Collaborative promotion and marketing	Transport linkages Penetration of new markets	Article 33 PMG Training
Financial support for access schemes	Regional walking trails and cycle routes Farm trail circular walks linking a number of farms/features Disabled access routes	Article 33 CS

Development of rural services and improved take-up and quality of existing services (transport, shops, ICT

424. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4
• Economic: 1.1, 1.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 4.3
• Environmental: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3

Table 2.12

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Pump priming for innovative developments	Utility service provision Local information points supported by IT network at village/market town level Mobile rural residents' advice bureau	Article 33
Feasibility studies	IT network development and access/equipment provision	Article 33
Funding of local support mechanisms	IT network development and access/equipment provision Other forms of information media Support for credit unions Rural housing site assembly and assistance with development Multi-functional one-stop shops providing financial and business services support	Article 33
Co-ordinating access to education, skills training and information	Community college buses Co-operative local agricultural networks	Article 33 Training

 

Establishment and management of forestry and woodlands

425. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.4, 3.1, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2,
• Economic: 1.1, 1.3, 2.3, 4.1, 4.3,
• Environmental: 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3

Table 2.13

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Regional woodland strategy	Targeted establishment programmes (e.g. South West Forest) Community Forests Targeted areas for new woodlands to join up ancient woodland fragments	Article 33 Forestry
Establishment and management grants and support	New and better managed farm and estate woodland Public access to woods Ancient semi-natural woodland management for timber/biodiversity	Article 33 Forestry
Support for primary industry and associated support businesses	Wood products development e.g. wood pellets Processing equipment	Article 33 Forestry
Sectoral and Collaborative marketing ventures	Timber products, firewood and charcoal Woodheat supply co-operatives Community combined heat/power projects	Article 33 Forestry

Support for environmental land management

426. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2
• Economic: 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 4.1
• Environmental: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

Table 2.14

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Financial incentives/grants for: habitat protection, restoration and creation restoration and protection of historic and landscape features	Whole farm environmental land management schemes to concentrate on key BAP habitats and designated archaeological/historic features and landscapes Adapted agricultural practices systems Farmland birds species recovery programmes	CS
Support for alternative farm practices and land uses	Agro forestry Non food crops Organic farming Reedbed for thatching	CS
Targeted integrated environmental advice	Farm appraisal service Whole Farm plans	CS D/I Projects
Support for environmental protection infrastructure	Farm waste stores Farm tracks Buffer zones Reed beds	CS Article 33
Financial support for access schemes	Regional walking trails, bridleways and cycle routes Farm trails/circular routes linking PROW's, features Disabled access routes	CS
Lowland livestock extensification	Restoration of heather moorland through stocking reductions Pilot grazing schemes	CS D/I Projects
Arable extensification	Catchment-based pilot project	CS D/I Projects

Provision and promotion of training to enhance skills and competencies

427. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.4
• Economic: 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2
• Environmental: 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3

Table 2.15

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Support for identified training needs in target rural business groups	Staff upskilling Product specifications Supply chain audits	Article 33 Training
Demonstration units/trials	Complementary measures and mechanisms with outputs additional to main targets such as farmers' wives support circles	D/I Projects
Rural land management skill training	Hedge laying, walling, and thatching courses	Article 33 Training
Employment advice	Local job vacancies as an alternative to agricultural employment	Article 33
Access to skills training	Rural transport links ICT -supported Distance learning Local agricultural training groups Relief services for skills training absence Mobile training at livestock markets	Article 33 Training
Promotion and marketing of skills training	On-farm training Transferable competancy credits	Article 33 Training

Processing of primary rural commodities into products, and their marketing and distribution

428. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.4, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.3
• Economic: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 4.1, 4.3
• Environmental: 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3

Table 2.16

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Collaborative promotion and marketing, including creation of collaborative groups	Farmers' markets Regional Speciality Food Groups Machinery Rings Transport linkages Penetration of new markets	Article 33 PMG
Branding and promotion	Regionally and environmentally branded products Quality assurance schemes	Article 33 PMG
Product development	Marketing skills training Exemplar products Environmental products Rural crafts	PMG
Development of quality management systems	Product certification	PMG
Support for distribution systems development	Farm Produce Associations Food miles comparison tables	Article 33 PMG
Support for supply and service sectors	Accredited systems for suppliers	Forestry
Investment in buildings/equipment for increased regional processing capacity	Meat cutting plants Vegetable packhouses Convenience food product development Forestry workshop extensions	Article 33 PMG

Establishment of new enterprises and land uses

429. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.4, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2
• Economic: 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 4.3
• Environmental: 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3

Table 2.17

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Grants for diversification into non-agricultural enterprises	Building conversion for re-use/New build Countryside access infrastructure	Article 33
Support accessibility to land management services	Farmer-supplied environmental services to incomers	Article 33 Training
Support for development of rural crafts	Diversification opportunities Widened skills base	Article 33 Training
Support for supply and service sectors	Multi-skilled agricultural engineering firms New technology franchises (e.g. LPG system fitting)	Article 33
Support for alternative farm practices and land uses	Agro-forestry Non-food crops Organic farming Reedbeds for thatching material	Article 33 Forestry CS Training

Investment to improve resource management in sensitive water catchment areas and river floodplains

430. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.3, 1.4, 2.2
• Economic: 2.2
• Environmental: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3

Table 2.18

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Target farm advisory campaigns	Irrigation management systems Soil/air/water resource management	Article 33
Support for farm waste storage or minimisation infrastructure	Slurry stores Low Rate Irrigation systems Clean/Dirty water separation Farm tracks	CS Article 33
Support for alternatives to waste containment	Interceptor reedbeds	Article 33
Capital grants for integrated resource management and biodiversity enhancement	Buffer zones Farm reservoirs	Article 33
Measures to tackle nutrient run-off/soil erosion problems	Soil management plans Catchment-based demonstration project	Article 33 D/I Projects
Land management incentives	Floodplain management payments Adapted agricultural practices/systems	Article 33 CS

Introduction, development, growing and use of new and novel crops for food, energy and industrial uses

431. Principal objectives to be achieved through the activity:-

• Social: 1.3, 1.4, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1
• Economic: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 4.3
• Environmental: 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.3

Table 2.19

Specific Activities	Example Outputs	Measures
Renewable energy crop development	Field-scale harvestable energy crops	Energy Crops
Advisory support	Miscanthus establishment and harvesting	Energy Crops
Grants for capital investment in energy crop usage	Wood-fuelled boilers	Energy Crops
Grants for establishment of non-energy crops	Methane Digesters Processing equipment/plant Game crops Biomass crops Industrial crops	Article 33
Demonstration pilots	Renewable energy generation plant	Energy Crops D/I Projects

Page last modified: 17 August, 2005
Page published: 1 October, 2000

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