The document discusses Northern Ireland's Rural Development Programme from 2007-2013. It allocated over £500 million to improve competitiveness in agriculture/forestry, the environment/countryside, and quality of life. The program was divided into three axes: Axis 1 focused on competitiveness, Axis 2 on the environment, and Axis 3 on quality of life through diversification and tourism. It provided details on the measures under each axis and their targets/budgets. Council clusters were established to deliver the program locally through a model that involved applicants, DARD, Local Action Groups, and a joint administration unit.

1. Rural Development Programme 2007-13 Belfast, Castlereagh and Lisburn Councils Jane Taylor DARD

2. What is Rural Development? In the 1980’s it was recognised that agriculture could not sustain the rural economy by itself. Decreasing farm incomes / employment leading to “rural exodus” and loss of infrastructure eg shops, post offices 1991 – Creation of Rural Development Branch within DARD

7. Axis 2- Improving the environment and countryside Measure 2.1 Less Favoured Areas compensatory Allowance Scheme 2.2 Management of Agriculture Land within Natura 2000 2.3 Agricultural Environment Programme 2.4 First Afforestation (forest expansion) 2.5 Forest Environment Payments

9. Axis 3 Measure 3.1 - Diversification into non-agricultural activities Objective Assist farm households to diversify into non agricultural activities to increase income streams. Target A member of a farm household Budget £20m

10. Axis 3 Measure 3.2 – Micro Business Creation and development Objective Promoting entrepreneurship and developing economic infrastructure Target Micro-enterprises Budget £20m

11. Axis 3 Measure 3.3 – Encouragement of tourism Objective Use natural resources in rural NI to attract visitors and create new tourist opportunities Target Rural Dwellers, private business, socio-economic sector, Councils Budget £12m

12. Axis 3 Measure 3.4 – Basic Service for the economy and rural population Objective Improve and maintain living and welfare of those living in rural areas. Target Rural Dwellers Budget £12m

13. Axis 3 Measure 3.5 – Village renewal and development Objective To support integrated village initiatives which promote cross-community development and regeneration Target A village or group of villages & surrounding areas. Budget £12m

14. Axis 3 Measure 3.6 – Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage Objective Preserve and upgrade NI’s rural heritage, use the natural and build environment. Target Rural Dwellers Budget £4m

20. Model of structures for delivery of RDP Applicant DARD LAG Joint Comm Admin Unit Application Claims Issue Letter of Offer Payment