Nearly 1,000 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the £9.3m pumped into the rural economy by One North East this year.
The regional development agency topped its target of £8.5m for the financial year 2009-10 to help deliver support to businesses in the countryside. ONE says that 981 jobs are anticipated to be created, 811 jobs safeguarded and 521 skills days created.
Alan Clarke, ONE chief executive, said: “We are thrilled that we have exceeded our targets essentially because we have ensured that farmers and rural businesses in the region are receiving money specifically set aside to help allow them to prosper and secure a successful future.
“Partnership working has been critical to the success of the RDPE programme with stakeholders, local authorities and delivery partners cementing a real regional effort.”
The Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, and is managed in North East England by One North East, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.
Projects which have benefited include £80,000 for Rock Farm Dairy, and a grant of £120,000 to Lanchester Dairies, both County Durham, to enable them to handle increased sales after the collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain in Blaydon, Gateshead.
Source: The Journal, May 20 2010
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