Evaluation of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) National Rural

This contract has been awarded to evaluate the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Network. To support delivery of the RDPE, European Rural Development Regulations require all Member States to establish a National Rural Network (NRN) and publicise various forms of information relating to the programme. The key role of the Network is to support the exchange of ideas, practice and experiences of those receiving funding and taking part in the RDPE's four schemes: Environmental Land Management Schemes, Countryside Productivity, Growth Programme and LEADER. It also supports the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability, with setting up and sharing of activities within the partnerships operational groups in England. The Network itself includes people involved with the RDPE and the projects it funds. It is part of the UK National Rural Network which includes the Rural Network for Northern Ireland, the Scotland National Rural Network and the Wales Rural Network.