We work with partners to address the future of farming, to develop thriving rural economies and communities and deliver a countryside for all to enjoy.
We support delivery and integration of a range of funding streams, in particular those which have a strong rural focus.
From January 2007, a new 6-year funding programme will be introduced to support Defra's objectives for the development of farming, rural businesses, communities and the countryside. A new programme, the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), is being developed by Defra and its delivery partners.
Defra asked East of England Development Agency, Natural England and the Forestry Commission to develop a Regional Implementation Plan for the East of England.
The latest draft of the Regional Implementation Plan was submitted to Defra in March 2007. The draft Plan sets out the principles, priorities and delivery proposals which have been agreed by partners to deliver the Rural Development Programme for England 2007 - 2013 within the East of England.
The overall Programme is subject to approval by the European Commission.
