Rural development funding

In this section you can find out more about rural development funding – one of the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) current issues.

Defra’s rural development programme for England (RDPE) is jointly funded by the EU, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the Government.

Funding is available for a range of activities in rural economies, primarily to benefit producers through either improved efficiency and greater competitiveness or diversification. The RDP 2007-2013 has a budget of £3.9 billion of which £3.3 billion will be allocated to agri-environment and other land management schemes.

This funding will help farmers to manage the land more sustainably and deliver important outcomes on biodiversity, landscape and access, water quality and climate change. A proportion of the funding is specifically ring-fenced for animal health and welfare activity, although the precise amount varies by region.

What the BVA has done

The matter is on the agenda for BVA’s Members Services Group (MSG) and at their meeting in February 2009 a presentation outlining the priorities for funding and the delivery approach was given to the group by Dr Rowland from the RDPE.

BVA has recognised the importance of making its members aware of the availability of these funds and, via the territorial divisions and an article in BVA’s In Practice, has endeavoured to draw attention to the programme.

A number of BVA members have already had success in applying for funding, and based on their experience BVA has put together a list of tips to help you if you are considering making an application.