£950m boost to rural areas

The Countryside Alliance is very pleased to read that the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 has been given the green light by the European Commission. The Plan, put forward by the current Deputy Minister for Farming & Food Rebecca Evans is the largest sum of money ever to be agreed for such a programme and total's over £950 million.

Rachel Evans, Director for Wales said: "This is great news for rural communities in Wales and I look forward to seeing the full detail of the Government's programme of proposals. I was particularly interested in suggestions for a Rural Communities Development Fund and hope that the finer detail will provide great opportunities for sustainable growth in rural towns and villages. I am also hopeful that this will provide a platform for developing a sustainable future for our young farmers and conservationists."