Detailed guide: Countryside Productivity Scheme
Updated: “How to fill in an Improving Farm Productivity application” guidance updated at pages 20 and 21 to clarify that quotes in a foreign currency need to be converted to £ sterling, and that transaction fees are not eligible for grant funding and should be excluded.
Latest news
The Improving Forestry Productivity, Water Resource Management, Adding Value to Agri-food and Countryside Productivity Small Grant schemes are now closed to new applications.
Some livestock handling items are in short supply
If you’ve received a grant under the Countryside Productivity Small Grant (CPSG) scheme, you may find that some livestock handling items are in short supply. Find out what’s available to help you submit your grant claim.
Countryside Productivity Scheme
The RDPE Countryside Productivity Scheme provides funding for projects in England which improve productivity in the farming and forestry sectors and help create jobs and growth in the rural economy.
It is administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
Under the RDPE Countryside Productivity Scheme, there are grants for:
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water resource management and reservoirs
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improving forestry productivity
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adding value to Agri-food
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improving farm productivity
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small grants
The grants are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
Government guarantees about funding after the UK leaves the EU
The government has guaranteed funding for RDPE Countryside Productivity Scheme grants if these are agreed and signed before the UK’s departure from the EU, even if the grant agreements continue after we have left the EU. This is subject to projects meeting the following conditions when the application is assessed:
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they are good value for money
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they are in line with domestic strategic priorities
Who can apply
To find out if you and your project are eligible, please read the relevant handbook below.
Improving Forestry Productivity
The Improving Forestry Productivity scheme is now closed to new applications.
Applications received by the closing date are being processed.
Water Resource Management
The Water Resource Management scheme is now closed to new applications.
Applications received by the closing date are being processed.
Adding Value to Agri-food
The Adding Value to Agri-food scheme is now closed to new applications.
Expressions of Interest received by the closing date are being processed.
Improving Farm Productivity
What happens next
For the following schemes:
- Water Resource Management
- Improving Farm Productivity
fill in your application form and send it to us. If this is successful, you’ll get a funding agreement to sign.
With your grant funding agreement signed, you can start work on your project.
After you’ve paid for the work, you can claim your money.
For Adding Value to Agri-food, fill in your Expression of Interest form and send it to us. If this is successful, you’ll get a full application form to complete.
Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme
The Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme is now closed for applications.
The RDPE Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme provides funding for farmers to purchase equipment to improve the productivity of their farm. The scheme is different to other parts of the Countryside Productivity scheme as it uses an online application process and is targeted at supporting investment for specific pieces of agricultural equipment.
Some livestock handling items are in short supply
If you’ve received a grant under the Countryside Productivity Small Grant (CPSG) scheme, you may find that some livestock handling items are in short supply. Find out what’s available to help you submit your grant claim.
Who can apply
Farmers (including livestock, dairy, arable and horticultural sectors) can apply for this grant. Please read the handbook below to find out more. This scheme is only open to farmers based in England.
When you can apply
The Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme is now closed for applications.
To help you apply online for the scheme read
Please remember to check your details on the Rural Payments service before you apply for this grant. You must make sure they exactly match with the details in your application form or your application will be rejected.
If you have any questions
Once you have read the handbook, if you have any questions please email your enquiry to CPSGEnquiries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk.
What happens next
Fill in your application form on line and sign up to the terms and conditions of the scheme. We will email you after the date that the funding round closes to let you know if your application has been approved. When you receive this email you can purchase your items.
After you’ve purchased all your items, you can claim your money