ERDP Scheme Introduction
The England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) schemes can generally be split into two types:
Schemes to conserve and improve the rural environment, or Land-based schemes (including agri-environment schemes); and
Schemes to help farming, forestry and other rural businesses and communities to adapt to changing circumstances and to develop, or Project-based schemes.
You can apply for, and benefit from, more than one scheme at the same time. A flow chart is available to show some of the potential linkages between the ERDP schemes.
If you would like to go directly to the application forms, you should go to the Defra application forms section and locate the ERDP forms section.
Information on agri-environment schemes operating before the launch of the ERDP is also available.
Land-based Schemes
Agri-Environment Schemes within SSSIs - 2003/4 data by Joint Character Area - This annually produced report is in its fourth year and benefits from close joint working between RDS and English Nature to report on the condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) that are managed by Agri-environment funding schemes in each financial year.
- Environmental Stewardship
- Countryside Stewardship Scheme
- Energy Crops Scheme (Establishment grants)
- Environmentally Sensitive Areas
- Farm Woodland Premium Scheme
- Hill Farm Allowance
- Organic Farming Scheme
- Woodland Grant Scheme
Land-based schemes provide financial incentives for land managers (particularly farmers and foresters) to adopt environmentally beneficial land management practices.
In addition to the environmental benefits of land-based schemes, in the case of the Organic Farming Scheme and the Energy Crops Scheme (Establishment Grants) we are also promoting the development of new markets for farmers.
Information on agri-environment Schemes operating before the launch of the ERDP is also available. These schemes are no longer open to applications, and in some cases have been integrated within the ERDP agri-environment Schemes listed here. Information is provided for existing scheme holders and reference purposes only.
Newsletter - the Rural Development Service have recently produced the newsletter Agri-Environment Matters for all agreement holders currently in agri-environment schemes.
Project-Based Schemes
Closure of ERDP project-based schemes
The ERDP project-based schemes - the 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. [Further information].
- Energy Crops Scheme (Short-rotation Coppice Producer Groups)
- Processing and Marketing Grant
- Rural Enterprise Scheme
- Vocational Training Scheme
Project-based schemes are not based on particular areas of land. They are focussed around individual developments and projects, and aim to promote imaginative and varied schemes within rural areas.
The schemes are generally available to farmers to help them develop new business opportunities and widen the skills they already possess.
Foresters, food processing companies, rural businesses and rural community groups can also benefit under certain schemes (or parts of schemes).
Page last modified:
21 October, 2008
Page published: 10 December, 2002