Benn announces increase in rural grant funding

Hilary Benn, Environment Secretary, has announced an increase in the level of grants available under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) for farmers wishing to diversify into no-agricultural businesses and start up or expand small rural businesses. Rural Development Agencies will be allowed to raise the level funding granted for such projects from 50% to 100%. DEFRA is now seeking approval for the proposals from the European Commission in order that these changes can be implemented as quickly as possible. Further information is available on the DEFRA website.