Record investment for English countryside
The English Countryside has received a boost of £3.9 billion over seven years for rural development in a record investment confirmed today by Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn.
Funding under the Government’s Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 will more than double the previous budget, helping to protect and enhance the environment, make the agricultural and forestry sectors more competitive, and secure a sustainable future for rural communities.
Mr Benn said:
“This huge investment will have social, economic and environmental benefits not just for rural communities but for all of us. It will support environment-friendly farming and improvements to the land that are good for wildlife and water quality and contribute to tackling climate change.
“This is good news for farming and forestry, rural businesses and community projects. I want this money to help keep England’s countryside beautiful and make it a thriving place for people to live in, work in and visit for generations to come.”
The programme includes support for energy crops, which will contribute to the government’s target of 20 per cent energy from renewable sources by 2020.
The programme, part-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, has been agreed by the European Commission and European Union.
Further information
Rural Development Programme for England
Page published: 6 December 2007