About the Programme

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is a 7-year funding programme with a budget of £3.7 billion.

The RDPE will bring into effect the rural development priorities or "axes" of the European Rural Development Regulation:

• Axis 1: Improving the competitiveness of the agriculture and forestry sectors; 
• Axis 2: Improving the environment and the countryside;
• Axis 3: Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging the diversification of the rural economy; and
• Axis 4: Building local capacity for employment and diversification.

 Further information on RDPE policy is available.