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Funding for rural areas (Rural Development Programme)

Supports businesses, farmers, the countryside, and communities in rural areas across Wales and is extended to 2023.

The programme is part of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), funded by the European Union and Welsh Government. The Rural Development Programme (RDP) can help rural Wales to:

  1. Increase the productivity, diversity and efficiency of Welsh farming and forestry businesses, improving their competitiveness and resilience, reducing their reliance on subsidies.
  2. Improve the Welsh environment, encouraging sustainable land management practices, the sustainable management of our natural resources and climate action in Wales.
  3. Promote strong, sustainable rural economic growth in Wales and encourage greater community-led local development.

The Welsh Government provides up-to-date comprehensive information on the Rural Development Plan and all the various strands - Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (Welsh Government) (opens new window)

The Wales Rural Network (opens new window) is a one-stop-shop for news, events and information about rural development, helping to make connections with other people, communities, organisations and businesses across rural Wales and beyond.

In Swansea RDP delivers the community-led programme LEADER in the 8 fully eligible wards of Mawr, Llangyfelach, Pontarddulais, Penclawdd, Fairwood, Bishopston, Pennard, and Gower; and partially supported in the three service wards of Clydach, Gorseinon and Gowerton.

European agricultural fund for rural development and Welsh Gov logo.

The RDP in Swansea

To support the implementation of the RDP within our rural wards, the Swansea RDP has set up a local action group (LAG) made up of people from the third, public and private sectors.

Apply for RDP funding

RDP LEADER funding has supported a variety of community led projects, these have included community supported agriculture schemes, renewable energy initiatives and feasibility studies.

Sign up for our RDP newsletter

Sign up here to receive our emails about rural funding and projects.

RDP projects

Find out more about successful projects that have been helped by RDP funding and support.

Rural Development Programme Team

Contact us if you require any help finding funding.

Rural health and wellbeing support

This directory contains details of a range of support organisations, many of which are focused on those living and working in rural areas.
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