20/2/2009 - Media opportunity: Rural development programme launches in mid and south Cumbria

A new rural development programme which will be delivering £8m worth of grant aid, training and advice for farmers, foresters, small rural businesses and rural communities in mid and south Cumbria will launch next week.

The Cumbria Fells and Dales Rural Development Programme will be unveiled at a launch event on Monday February 23rd from 12.15pm at Rheged, Penrith.

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is a new package of funds aimed at stimulating rural economies and communities. It is jointly funded by the EU, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the Government. The UK's network of Regional Development Agencies has been charged with managing the delivery of RDPE’s economic and social funding.

The county council is delivering the programme on behalf of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and Defra.

Cumbria Fells and Dales is delivered by a Local Action Group made up of representatives from businesses, public agencies and local community bodies and is staffed by employees of Cumbria County Council. The programme will run until 2013 and is being delivered alongside its partner programme covering the north of the county, the Solway, Border & Eden Rural Development Programme.

Cllr Tim Knowles, Cumbria County Council's cabinet member for economic development, said:

"The county council is delighted to be able to launch this £8 million programme of rural development in the Cumbria Fells and Dales. We are looking to make investments on farms, in forests, and with all the associated rural businesses so that we can sustain their livelihoods and protect our valuable Cumbrian landscape."

Douglas Chalmers, Chairman of the Cumbria Fells and Dales Local Action Group, said:

"This programme will be welcomed by farmers, foresters and rural business owners, coming as it does in this time of general economic recession. There are many indications that their rural enterprise can make significant contributions to the country's recovery, and we now offer them the opportunity to make vital investments in their businesses. The Local Action Group is committed to ensuring we support projects that will deliver the best value in terms of economic development and addressing local need."

David Hunter, Head of Rural Development at the NWDA, said: 

"Through the delivery of the Rural Development Programme, the NWDA is working with partners to drive the growth of the rural economy in the Northwest. The Cumbria Fells and Dales Programme will provide vital business support that will help to encourage diversification and improve the competitiveness of local farming, forestry and rural companies, helping to secure a sustainable and vibrant future for the local economy."

ENDS

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