A £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland over the next seven years.
Measures will be delivered through:
- Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme
- Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grant Scheme
- Forestry Commission Challenge Funds
- The LEADER initiative
- Less Favoured Area Support Scheme
- Rural Development Contracts
- Skills Development Scheme
Individuals and groups may seek support to help deliver the Government's strategic objectives in rural Scotland.
The Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-13 is very different from its predecessor. It 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.