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LEADER funding

In 2008 the Isle of Wight secured grant funding of £2.6 million to help boost the rural economy. As of 1 April 2011, £1,264,457 has been allocated to 85 projects across the Island. Funding is still available so if you feel you have a viable project please contact Carol at Natural Enterprise for more information.

The money is available to farmers, growers and other rural based businesses including those involved in the tourism sector and rural communities. Applications are selected on a competitive basis and projects funded will be those that fit with the priorities outlined in the Island’s Local Development Strategy.


Image: Egg Grader at Little Duxmore Farm

The Themes selected for the Island applications are:

  • Increasing the economic value of farming and land management
  • Support for the wider rural economy
  • Increasing the vitality of the rural settlements
  • To promote the rural heritage

Applications
The application process will take at least two months, so we recommend you contact us well in advance of your project delivery dates.
If you would like to make an enquiry, please contact Carol Flux on (01983) 535836 or email carol.flux@naturalenterprise.co.uk

Further reading

  • Rural Development Programme Implementation Plan
  • Sustainable Food and Farming Strategy Read more
  • South East Forestry and Woodlands Framework Read more

The new Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) opened for business on the 18th January 2008 and will run to 2013; it replaces the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP). The RDPE is jointly funded by the EU, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the UK Government.
For more information about European Rural Development Click here