The RDPE Countryside Productivity Scheme provides funding for projects in England which improve productivity in the farming and forestry sectors and help create jobs and growth in the rural economy.
It is administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
Under the RDPE Countryside Productivity Scheme, there are grants for:
- water resource management and reservoirs
- improving forestry productivity
- adding value to Agri-food
- improving farm productivity
- small grants
The grants are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
The initial offer of this scheme is for £15 million of small grants of between £3,000 and £12,000 for a range of equipment and technology to be used on farms with applications due in by 14 March 2018. Applications will be scored after the closing date applicants will be notified soon after if they have been successful. Full details are being made available on the Countryside Productivity page on Gov.uk. The page includes links to the Handbook and a portal to a very simple online application form. Grants are available for a specified range of equipment. Applying online takes just a few minutes.
The intention is that there will be further rounds of grants later in the year.
