Further Information : Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013
SRDP is a a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland over the next seven years
The SRDP includes measures to address economic and social goals as well as environmental measures. It is outcome-focused and primarily aims to deliver a Greener Scotland and to promote a Wealthier and Fairer rural Scotland. It will contribute to the Government's Healthier and Smarter objectives and will help to strengthen rural communities.
It brings together a wide range of formerly separate support schemes including those covering the farming, forestry and primary processing sectors, rural enterprise and business development, diversification and rural tourism. It includes measures to support and encourage rural communities and delivers the LEADER initiative for local innovation in rural areas.
Below is a list of the support schemes offered through the 2007-2013 SRDP Programme. More information can be found on the Scotland Rural Development Programme website
Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities
An integrated funding mechanism which will deliver targeted environmental, social and economic benefits. It will contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Government's strategic objectives through regional priorities, agreed with stakeholders for 11 eligible regions. Rural Priorities is a competitive mechanism to ensure that contracts are awarded for the proposals which are best able to deliver the agreed regional priorities.
LEADER
The aim of LEADER is to increase the capacity of local rural community and business networks to build knowledge and skills, and encourage innovation and co-operation in order to tackle local development objectives. It is a bottom-up method of delivering support for rural development through implementing a local rural development strategy. Support will be aimed primarily at small-scale, community driven projects that are pilot and innovative in nature. Funding is awarded by Local Action Groups who take decisions on projects which are community driven and have a wide community benefit.
Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme
The aim is to support more sustainable economic growth of the food industry through greater co-operation and collaboration from primary production to final market, ensuring the long term viability of primary producers, and increasing export markets for Scottish produce. The scheme also aims to encourage innovation and new product development enabling food manufacturers and retailers to respond to changes in consumer demand for more affordable, healthier food options.
Forestry for People Challenge Fund
The fund is intended to help groups realise the potential contribution of local woodlands to the health, learning and strengthening of communities. Eligible work could include guidance, contribution towards staff time, feasibility studies and health education projects.
The Woodlands In and Around Towns Challenge Fund
The fund targets existing areas of woodland with the view to bringing it into sustainable management through carrying out an agreed programme of work. The aim is to regenerate the woodland environment close to centres of population and improve the quality of life for people living and working there.
Skills Development Scheme
This is a new scheme offering support towards the development and delivery of group skills development initiatives for land managers (including farmers, crofters and foresters). Activities would cover workshops, training programmes and other group events to improve business and land management.
Land Manager's Options
Provides support for the provision of economic, social and environmental improvements across Scotland. Land managers can apply for funding on a range of options under the scheme. LMO are non-competitive and open to all land managers with land in Scotland.
Less Favoured Area Support Scheme
Provides support to farmers and crofters located in the Scottish Less Favoured Areas (either Severely Disadvantaged or Disadvantaged). Support is given to ensure continued agricultural land use in order to contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community, maintain the countryside and maintain and promote sustainable farming systems.
