The new Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) represents a major opportunity for farmers, growers and foresters to invest in their future.

For example, it can help you to:

 Diversify into new enterprises.

• Add value and develop new products and markets.
• Develop renewable energy projects.
• Improve the returns from forestry.
• Invest in water management facilities.
• Collaborate with others to develop new business opportunities.
• Develop new skills.
• Improve your financial and environmental sustainability.

In the South East and London the RDPE is delivered through:

Natural England - including Entry Level and Higher Level Stewardship.

Forestry Commission - including the English Woodland Grant scheme.

South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) – the training and capital grants that can help you improve the financial performance and sustainability of your business. SEEDA has £60m to invest in the region from 2008 to 2013.

For a guiding leaflet go to

http://www.seeda.co.uk/rdpe/docs/RDPELeaflet-April2008.pdf

This leaflet focuses on the grants available from SEEDA. For further information on the agri-environment and forestry grants contact Natural England and the Forestry Commission direct.