Closure of ERDP Project-Based Schemes
The ERDP project-based schemes - Rural Enterprise Scheme, the Processing and Marketing Grant, the Vocational Training Scheme and the Energy Crops (SRC) Producer Group Scheme - closed to new applications on 30 June 2006.
The closure of these schemes is an important part of Defra's Rural Strategy 2004 to simplify funding for rural areas and better target it to the needs of rural people and businesses in each region. The Department is committed to reducing the current range of schemes and programmes to a framework based around three major funds targeted to the three Departmental strategic priorities impacting on rural areas: environmental land management and natural resource protection; sustainable rural communities; and sustainable food and farming. This approach aims to achieve greater simplicity for customers and to improve value for money; it is being implemented progressively, with the final stage to be completed with the roll out of the next rural development programme (2007-2013). Further details of the funding streams review can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/ruraldelivery/funding/default.htm
The next rural development programme continues to provide funding for social and economic development in rural areas. Responsibility for delivery of this funding has transfered from the Rural Development Service to England's Regional Development Agencies.
The administration of approved project cases under the Rural Enterprise Scheme, the Processing and Marketing Grant, the Vocational Training Scheme and the Energy Crops (SRC) Producer Group Scheme transfered from the Rural Development Service to Regional Development Agencies at the end of September 2006. Agreement holders affected by this change should contact their Regional Development Agency.
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Page last modified:
26 June, 2008
Page published: 2 February, 2006