RDP Measures

New measures added as part of the revised Rural Development Programme (March 2010) are maked with New

Axis 1 Competitiveness

• Vocational Training and information actions
• Setting up of Young Farmers (suspended since 14th of October 2008)
• Early Retirement of farmers and farm workers (suspended since 14th of October 2008)
• Modernisation of Agricultural Holdings - On Farm Investment (fully subscribed as of October 2007)
• New Modernisation of Agricultural Holdings - Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS)

Axis 2 Improving the environment and the countryside

• Payment to farmers in areas with handicaps other than mountain areas
• NATURA 2000 payments - linked to Rural Environmental Protections Scheme (REPS)
• New NATURA 2000 payments - linked to Agri-Environment Options Scheme (REPS)
• Agri- Environment Payments (REPS) (closed to new entrants on the 9th of July 2009)
• Organic Farming
• New Agri- Environment Payments (AEOS)

Axis 3 Quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy

• Diversification into non-agricultural activities
• Support for the creation and development of micro-enterprises
• Encouragement of tourism activities
• Basic services for the rural economy and population
• New The Rural Broadband Reach Scheme (RDR)
• Village renewal and development
• Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
• Training and information for economic actors operating in the fields covered by Axis 3

Axis 4 Implementation of the LEADER approach

• A skills-acquisition and animation measure with a view to implementing local development strategies.
• Implementing local development strategies with a view to achieving the objectives of one or more of Axis 1, 2 or 3
• Running the local action groups, skills acquisition, and animation
• Implementing co-operation projects involving achievement of the objectives of one or more of Axis 1, 2 or 3.