The Rural Development Council (RDC) has highlighted the absolute importance of Northern Ireland securing the optimal level of funding for the next Rural Development Programme (RDP), which will commence in 2014 and continue through to 2020.
“A budget of £500 million was secured for the current programme,” confirmed RDC Deputy Chief Executive Teresa Canavan.
“It is imperative that we secure the same level of funding, at the very least, next time around.” The RDC representative went on to point out that the current RDP has helped create a significant number of new jobs in rural areas.
“We helped showcase 30 companies, that had received RDP support, at this year’s Balmoral Show,” Teresa Canavan continued.
“Significantly, RDP funds have also been used, in equal measure, to increase the efficiency of farm business and to improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas.”
Teresa Canavan made her comments following the recent launch of the consultation process for the new RDP.
“We will be engaging in a number of RDP workshops in September, which will allow us gauge the feelings of people on the ground, regarding this crucially important issue. The current RDP has been successfully managed as a bottom up programme, which has served to identify the needs of people living in rural areas and then delivering accordingly,” she further explained.
“Executive Ministers at Stormont will have the final say on how the money is spent. RDC’s job over the coming weeks will be that of ensuring that the priorities agreed for the new programme are fully in line with the needs of people who most need the support that will become available.”
The consultation on the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 sets out proposals for a new programme, to be developed in line with the Europe 2020 objectives of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The proposals include priorities for farming, forestry, food, tackling poverty, social inclusion and economic development in rural areas.
In addition, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) has published its consultation on the Northern Ireland 2014 – 2020 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Investment for Growth & Jobs Programme.
Teresa Canavan again: “ERDF monies have also been used to support the rural economy. And, obviously, it is imperative that this funding stream is maintained.
“The ERDF allocation for the Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme has still to be finally agreed by the European Parliament but, based on current proposals, is likely to be in the region of €274 million with a national match contribution of €183m. This would result in a total programme value of €457, a 25% reduction on the 2007-2013 allocation.”
She concluded:
“The outcomes of both consultations will have significant impacts on rural areas and the rural economy helping to shape the economic and social growth of our rural region over the next seven years. We encourage those in rural areas and working on behalf of rural communities to respond.”
The closing date for responding to both consultations is 21st October 2013.
Further information is available on the RDC website www.rdc.org.uk.
(Source – Farming Life – 24/07/2013)