Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007 – 2013

Livestock

Each region has been charged by Defra to deliver Axis 1 Voluntary Modulation receipts direct to the livestock industry.  In the East Midlands this equates to approximately £12m.  

Defra have set out three key areas where they believe funding should be directed towards.

These themes are:

emda will encourage applications from all livestock industry sectors to deliver against these objectives, within the overall eligibility criteria set out in the Core Programme information page.

A group of livestock farmers may wish to collaborate to deliver a project and this is encouraged.

emda is looking to support livestock farmers to deliver projects involving resource use and energy efficiency. Applicants are invited to contact the RDPE team to discuss their ideas. Projects brought forward so far include on farm water management, capturing, cleaning and reusing water and using innovative technology to heat water for parlour washing. A number of different industry sectors are looking into the possibility of using renewable energy and new technology to reduce energy costs and improve animal health and welfare.

Activities relating to adding value through processing and marketing of livestock and livestock products are eligible for RDPE support.

RDPE funding cannot be offered for the costs related to the purchase, production, housing or general keep of animals.  Funding can not be granted for activities that enable the applicant to meet legislative standards or comply with standard industry practice. However the funding can be used to help the applicant to go beyond minimum standards, especially where the activity forms part of a wider resource efficiency or nutrient management plan.  For example increasing slurry storage is not eligible but innovative slurry management systems will be considered.

For training and skills development, livestock producers may wish to also consider the Skills and Vocational Training element of the programme. Please see the Skills and Vocational Training information page for further information on how to apply for this element of the programme.

Livestock farmers seeking grant support from RDPE should consider projects which have a minimum total cost of £25,000 and will therefore result in an RDPE grant of approximately £12,500. This application threshold is only applicable for livestock producers. For details of the general project thresholds for other sectors, please see the Forms and Contact Details information page.

For information on how to apply for RDPE funding, please see the Forms and Contact Details information page.