As of 1 October 2006, Defra has formally transferred to the Regional Development Agencies the responsibility for delivery of the socio-economic elements of the Rural Development Programmes under the current and successor EU Rural Development Regulations in England (including the “project based schemes” under the current programme: Rural Enterprise Scheme, Vocational Training Scheme, Processing and Marketing Grant, and producer group element of the Energy Crops Scheme.)

This is an excellent opportunity for Defra and the RDAs to work more closely to take forward the Government’s joint agenda for England’s rural communities.  The new Programme will provide significant scope to take forward both the  Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food and the wider Rural Strategy. 

• Defra briefing note.
• Q&A's