http://www.nwda.co.uk/docs/Merseyside%20Plan_15oct2007 by Northwest Regional Development Agency

ICEP Draft Rural Development Programme for England 2007 – 2013 Sub-regional Implementation Plans – Merseyside. Introduction In rural Merseyside, agriculture plays a vital role in the rural economy and is accountable for the management of over 24,000 hectares of land. There are 541 registered agricultural holdings within Merseyside (2004 census) with over 50% of these being less than 20 hectares. This is due to the historic nature of agricultural enterprises undertaken in Merseyside. The majority of agricultural land is used for crop production. The area contains a significant proportion of high quality agricultural land and as a result of this, the horticultural sector is also important in this area. The agricultural industry, although not a major employer, generates substantial additional employment both through ancillary businesses and indirectly through other sectors such as tourism. Key holdings statistics for Merseyside County Council Wirral Sefton Liverpool St Helens Knowsley Halton

Area (Ha)

Number of Holdings 132 123 11 143 79 53

3819.5 3581.7 337.8 5857.7 8640.3 2075.6

Labour Numbers (FTEs) 268.01 280.08 86.95 325.26 156.38 201.86

Source National Statistics, June agricultural survey Data (Repopulated) 2004

Merseyside districts within the 50 most deprived districts, for each of the district level summaries of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004 District Liverpool Knowsley Halton St Helens Wirral

Rank 1 3 21 36 48

‘Some 40,000 people are employed in farming in the North West, and the industry contributes 0.8% of regional GDP. But this does not tell the whole story. These figures do not include other industries that are part of the food production chain, for example food suppliers and food processors. Furthermore they do not reflect the role of farming in creating and maintaining the landscape and environment that provides the base for so many other economic activities such as leisure and tourism. The 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak highlighted the important links that exist between agriculture and the wider rural community.’

Activities The Proposed programme will be based on a “Can Do, Willing to Help” approach to assist and encourage the growth in Rural Business. The delivery model will be based around those issues identified during the public consultation process as being the “BIG SIX” that will act as a driver to help self empowerment by Rural Business. 1. Big Brand Development of a cooperative brand that will encapsulate fresh, beverages, preserve, processed and frozen food from the best of Merseyside’s producers. Aims to create a brand, develop processing and packaging facilities, develop distribution, create a back room network and be an effective player in supplying public procurement. This will not be an initiative to help or assist; it will be a farmer/producer controlled business that will be commercially driven. Beneficiaries – All growers, producers and processors will be able to contribute towards the project. The main cost will be based on the level of private match (membership); this will be phased over the programme. Axis 1 (24, 28, 29 & 35), Axis 3 (53) 2. Merseyside Equine Business Group The aim of this project will to encourage an accreditation system for facilities within Merseyside, a formal body to lobby for access routes and connectivity to existing leisure facilities, networking opportunities and access to funding for facility improvement. The project will work closely with the BHS (British Horse Society) and volunteers in developing their objectives. Beneficiaries – Equine industry in Merseyside and people who use the facilities for sport and recreation. Axis 1 (24, 28, & 35), Axis 3 (53, 54 & 55) 3. Energy Supply Formation of a supply company to address continuity and quality of renewable energy (bio mass) that can be grown and harvested. Linked to need and regional plan for developing renewable energy generation. Beneficiaries – Growers, processors, end users and the general population that will benefit from the reduced production of carbon dioxide and increase in green planting. Axis 1 (24, 28, 29 & 35), Axis 3 (53 & 54) 4. Recycling & Carbon Auditing Increasing capacity and ability to recycle trade waste in rural areas and the assessment and reduction of a businesses carbon foot-print, in the form of a green audit. Beneficiaries - Any business that wants to address its recycling/carbon balance in a rural location. Axis 1 (24, 28, 29 & 35) 5. Rural Retail

Business improvement through a modular approach. Service, Marketing, Monitoring, Supply, Logistics, Merchandising, Networks and Modelling. It would be hoped to create strong linkage and generic outcomes from work with the Big Brand project. Beneficiaries – Any rural retail business that has a business need or a weakness they would like to improve on. The help pack that is split initially into seven units will have a set budget appropriate to the task. Axis 1 (24, 28, & 35), Axis 3 (53, 54 & 55) 6. Attractions and Tourism Development of service pack, better linkage to TMP and promotion of availability. Beneficiaries – All established or emerging attractions which hold people in the rural economy. Axis 1 (24, 29 & 35), Axis 3 (53, 54, & 55) All Projects will be supported with the opportunity to access specialist support and advice when appropriate and to apply for small capital grands in order to improve business performance. Aims of Programme • Adding value • Creating Employment • Training and development of rural business • Innovation and sustainability

Merseyside RDPE Draft Plan August 2007 Introduction European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) In June 2005, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) was approved to replace the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) as funds for rural development under the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2007 – 2013. The available measures for funding have been divided between three main headings (or axes). There will also be a fourth, cross cutting (or implementation) axis under which the LEADER approach to bottom up locally led projects will be used to implement measures of the other axes. Axis I Improving the competitiveness of the farming and forestry sectors Axis II Improving the environment and countryside Axis III Rural quality of life and diversification of the rural economy Axis IV The LEADER approach To unlock this funding Defra are required to submit a Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) to the European Commission for approval. The national programme will define the scope of this Regional Implementation Plan. The Rural Development Regulation and its Implementing Regulation will define permissible activity. The Government is committed to Environmental Stewardship. The consequence of this is that the socio economic funding is likely to be near the minimum spends allowed by the EU. Therefore, the Government has agreed the balance of EU funding across the entire programme in England is ten per cent for Axis I; eighty per cent for Axis II and ten per cent for Axis III. For planning purposes Defra has indicated that the North West can assume Axis I and III funding of approximately £72 million for the life of the Programme and an estimated £300 million for Axis II subject to final budget allocations from the European Union including voluntary modulation. The programme as a whole will be delivered on an integrated basis. However, the Northwest Regional Development Agency will be responsible for Axis I and III and IV. The Forestry Commission and Natural England are responsible for Axis II. This document - a Regional Implementation Plan (RIP) - is one of eight being prepared across England by a range of partners including the RDAs, Forestry Commission and Natural England. The process has been facilitated by each region's Government Office. The RIPs will be presented to Defra by December 2006 as contribution to the national programme. The national programme will be submitted to the EU. For England's Northwest, the Regional Development Agency has further devolved the preparation of sub-regional implementation plans to Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. These plans are being prepared by the existing sub-regional partnerships that have previously taken a lead for economic development programmes. The sub-regional plans will deliver Axis I, III & IV of the Regional Implementation Plan in the subregions . On the pages that follow, the details of activity for the region under the RDPE are set out and the proposed balance of funding for each theme is established. The

activities outlined are guided first and foremost by the Regional Rural Delivery Framework (RRDF), but also by the delivery partners key documents; Regional Forestry Framework (RFF) entitled 'Agenda for Growth' the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and Natural England’s Strategic Direction. Although the above outline of axes, plans, implementation schemes and priority areas at first glance may appear complex; for England's Northwest the reality is simple and engaging: over the next 6 years the region that has bounced back from past setbacks with such energy and dynamism, now has an opportunity to build on its strong partnerships and even stronger reputation for delivery. The partners intend that the RDPE will build a sustainable future for the rural areas of the Northwest Region. Issues and Opportunities In preparing this RIP an analysis was conducted of the region's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) in line with guidance from Defra and the approach deployed across other English regions. Some of the significant issues arising from the SWOT that are relevant to this programme are explored in more detail below. 3.1 Key issue: Competitiveness and Growth The rural North West still faces significant long-term economic challenges and some fundamental problems that remain difficult to shift. There are a number of underperforming areas (per capita), a lack of enterprise diversity and a widespread recognition that there is limited available workspace of an appropriate nature for modern enterprise. Baseline data collected for the RRDF makes it clear that, although rural areas account for 40% of the region’s businesses and 25% of its workforce, its contribution to GVA is only around 23% of the regional total. This suggests an abundance of poorly performing enterprises in rural areas. This must be addressed if we are to create the conditions for sustainable growth. Outside of agriculture and forestry, economic activity and commerce type in rural areas is similar to the rest of the region. Rural areas do however, have a higher proportion of SMEs, tend to have more lower paid workers with a higher proportion of seasonal employment, and significantly more multiple employment. There is a need for on-going investment, increased innovation, growth of a higher level skills base and an enduring level of entrepreneurship. A key difference in the rural economy is that its business base appears more robust. Business start-up rates may be lower in rural areas but survival rates are higher. Prosperity in rural areas is can appear ‘polarised’. Agriculture’s weak economic performance is in stark contrast to the growth in business services and the stabilising force of public sector employment which provides 20-25% of all jobs in rural areas. This also impacts at the level of individuals within rural communities where the relative prosperity of an area masks deprivation and counters the argument that all parts of a community automatically benefit from the success of investment elsewhere 3.2 Key issue: Climate change and energy All aspects of life; economic, social and environmental face a significant threat from climate 2080s, it is predicted that the average annual daily temperature could increase by up to 4 degrees centigrade and seasonal rainfall patterns will change.

Winter precipitation could increase by up to 30 per cent and summer rainfall decrease by up to 60 per cent. Actions that strengthen the resilience of the rural environment in the face of impending climate change impacts should be encouraged and landscape scale adaptation strategies pursued. Rural economic activity should move towards making a significant contribution to achieving a low-carbon and well adapted region, as a business opportunity. Better land management, increased energy efficiency and new diversified enterprises focused around bio-fuels and bio-energy crops could contribute to reducing the region's carbon emissions. Clear priorities for action include using waste streams or by-products to generate energy, short rotation coppicing and utilising under-managed woodlands as a source of wood fuel to address the Forestry Commission’s national target of 1m tonnes of biomass from woodland management. However, rural communities in the Northwest, particularly those in off-gas areas, lack any capacity to realise locally focused biomass initiatives. Such initiatives would deliver on priority actions across all four RIP themes and all rural areas in the North West should address this need for capacity within rural communities. 3.3 Key issue: Resource protection The region's natural environmental resources - its natural capital - has an estimated value to the Northwest's economy of around £2.5 billion, much of it through rural businesses that are directly reliant on the environment, such as fishing, forestry or outdoor pursuits. An estimated 48,000 tourism jobs alone are judged to be reliant on a high quality environment. Protecting our natural environmental resources is of primary importance in protecting environment-dependant jobs and is important to creating new business opportunities for the future. One resource that comes under consistent pressure in rural areas is the region's network of waters and waterways. The majority of water pollution incidents are not from heavy industry but from agriculture. The contribution of diffuse pollution – runoff - to a reduced water quality across the region is of particular concern. The runoff is often made-up of nutrient rich soils that are drawn from arable and rough grazing areas that are at an increasing risk of soil erosion. This erosion of soil can damage waterways and water resources such as Cumbria's lakes, but it also leads to a release of carbon locked in the soil and a drop in biodiversity. A key challenge for rural areas is a true adoption of sustainable farming and land use that reduces water pollution, increases efficiency in water use, combats soil erosion and protects the region's locked up carbon 'sinks'. 3.4 Key issue: Sustainable agriculture The Northwest's agricultural sector is used to adapting and changing to shifting circumstances, from BSE and Foot and Mouth Disease to an increasingly globalised and cost-cutting market for agricultural products. In the coming years, circumstances will continue to shift. Most pivotally through the change in focus under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from supporting agricultural output to supporting sustainable land management, environmental stewardship and the development of farm businesses focus on their customers. A sustainable and prosperous farming sector will be in a better position to deliver many of the desired environmental and animal health and welfare outcomes than one which is struggling to survive.

To deliver this, farmers’ will need to adopt a new culture of cooperation and collaboration that will be capable of delivering economies of scale. The challenge for the region, particularly in upland areas, is to maintain an economically viable farming and food sector which is focused on its markets and seeks to maximise the environmental gain from this shift. At the same time it is important to recognise the role of the agricultural community in safeguarding the region’s upland heritage where diversity and options for change are limited. Opportunities also exist to develop locality food brands, offering farmers the chance to add value to commodity production. Potential may also exist to link economic and environmental assets through food branding, especially in areas of high landscape character. Organic farming within the region is recognised as having an important role in delivering a Sustainable Farming and Food sector. The region has responded to the challenges facing the organic sector and has established the North West Organics Centre to reverse the reduction in land managed organically and bring the region more in line with national trends and market opportunities. Pressing issues such as declining returns to producers, a lack of producer co-operation, a lack of processing facilities and problems over quality and continuity of supply remain important for the region to address. 3.5 Key issue: Forestry and woodlands Woodland and forestry in Northwest England face several challenges. Although we have 700 square miles of Community Forest, we have relatively low woodland cover at 6.8% of land cover (96,171 hectares). Nearly half of the resource is under-managed. The Regional Forestry Framework (2005) identifies the priorities for this cross cutting sector and the issues this programme can address are summarised below. Only 61% of woodland Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) are in favourable/recovering condition and our valuable Ancient Woodlands, which cover 1% of land, are in need of protection and active management to restore and conserve their biodiversity value. In helping to meet Regional and National BAP targets we need to focus on key woodland habitat types and species. Although an intrinsic part of the regional landscape, many woodland habitats are seriously fragmented and in need of restoration and reconnection. The North West has 7 million people and some of the poorest health records in England. This gives rise to opportunities for increased access to and community engagement in woodlands. Woodlands have a key role in economic, social and environmental regeneration. For example, in the restoration of derelict, underused and neglected land (DUNL) and over a third of the 26,385 hectares are in rural areas. The forestry and woodland industry sector underpins the sustainable management of our woodland. It has significant skill, capacity, leadership and networking challenges and there is a need to build on and improve its environmental and sustainability credentials to ensure they can deliver the required benefits. We need to foster growth in the sector through innovation, the development of new markets, eg woodfuel biomass and process improvement. There is a particular opportunity to add value to current forestry or farming operations through diversification, particularly for micro-businesses. 3.6 Key issue: Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage The landscape of the NW region includes densely-populated cities and extensive urban fringe areas though 80% is farmland including large expanses of sparsely-

populated upland areas and scenic countryside. The region has a remarkable range of habitats – from major estuaries such as Morecambe Bay, to the lakes and uplands of the Lake District and North Pennines. Approximately 29% of the region is subject to statutory landscape designation, comprising the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Peak District National Parks and Arnside Silverdale, Forest of Bowland, Solway and North Pennines Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In addition, the UK Government is a co-signatory of the European Landscape Convention which gives specific duties towards the conservation and enhancement of all landscapes. The region also has responsibilities resulting from a wealth of European and international ecological designations. These rich landscape and biodiversity assets provide an essential resource for public enjoyment and recreation, and underpin much of the tourism activity in the region. Of major significance are the region’s upland areas, much being subject to statutory landscape and ecological designation. Ensuring continued support for these public goods in light of the impact of further CAP reform constitutes a major challenge for the region. 30% of England’s common land is in the NW, many being large upland sites with high ecological status. The challenge is achieving coherent management of this asset through intervention, capable of addressing the inherent complexity of land management interests. 2070 km2 of the region is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The challenge is to improve the sustainable management of this rich resource. Currently 18% is in poor condition due to unsustainable management – particularly upland, river, lake, limestone pavement/grassland and woodland habitats. The North West’s contribution to the England Biodiversity Strategy, through 5 Local Biodiversity Action Plans, will improve the quality and extent of many important habitats. Fragmentation and isolation of existing habitats which reduces habitat robustness, connectivity and expansion potential is also a significant issue, particularly in more developed and populated lowland areas and for large-scale upland habitats, including upland woodland/scrub. In the North West there is a significant historic/archaeological asset base and designated historic environment assets. In addition there are many thousands of buildings, sites and features within a historic landscape context which are not legally protected but which provide a sense of place for the people who live in and visit the countryside and make the landscape of the North West so varied and attractive and which attract thousands of visitors every year. Changes to the NW region’s traditional rural landscapes are happening fast, through urban pressures, the partly unpredictable effects of climate change, the need for renewable energy production, and through economic changes affecting agriculture, not least the changes to agricultural support payments. This change offers challenges but also opportunities for increased environmentally focused management. 3.7 Key issue: Skills, knowledge transfer and capacity building One reason why skills, knowledge transfer and capacity building is presented as a cross-cutting theme in this RIP is due to the broad and extensive range of challenges and opportunities the issue presents for rural areas, not least because so many areas have relatively high levels of low productivity or low pay. For the agricultural and forestry community, there is a need for farmers and land managers to broaden their skills base to include: sustainable approaches to land

management to ensure that they gain maximum direct (economic) benefit from the changing focus in the CAP; a greater level of understanding of information and communication technologies (ICT); and a wider and more up-to-date set of techniques around business management and marketing. There is a more general need to build and develop Leadership within the rural communities, to increase levels of vocational training and deliver an increase in levels of knowledge transfer or research, from core areas such as animal welfare, renewable energy, resource efficiency and better business practice.

Table 111 Notional Levels of Funding for North West 2007-2013 Axis European National Voluntary Funding Funding Modulated Monies

Axis 1 Axis 2 Axis 3

£9.9M £150M £8.9M

£16.74M

Required private match to access modulated monies £16.74 M

£17.8M

Aims of Merseyside Project • Adding value • Creating Employment • Development of rural business • Innovation and sustainability The present project has been successful in working closely with beneficiaries and funders to minimise administrative burden and maximise programme outputs. Our aim has always been to remove unnecessary barriers and expense out of the supply chain and to aid benefits to as many businesses as possible. History with Delivery Partners ICEP has worked with a number of delivery partners and has used this partnership approach to beneficiaries’ advantage. • Business Link – The creation of the Rural Business Advisor for Merseyside has increased the capacity and advice that can be delivered. It is hoped that the role and partnership will remain though the 2007-2013 ERDP allowing maximum benefit to as many businesses as possible.

• •

• • •

Local Food First Merseyside - Has been successful in supporting micro and niche food businesses. Working with LFFM has enabled specialist advice and expertise to dove tailed into supported projects and producers. The Mersey Forest - Has supported and assisted ICEP and rural economic development on Merseyside from the infancy of European support. TMF are a key delivery partner and their expertise and assistance is regularly called upon to support beneficiaries. English Food and Farming Partnership - Have assisted and helped in the development of future collaborative proposals and are a knowledge base for all cooperative approach methods. BTCV - Has worked closely with ICEP to develop the MEET programme to assist in the up-skilling and specialist training to improve the skills gap in environmental training. Sefton Cost Landscape Partnership, Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and Natural England, these are a few of the environment and habitat organisations that we have worked with over the years.

Information Base and Consultation The initial consultation event was held on 22nd June 2006. A wide mix of private and public organisations were invited to the event with the following attending:

Present: -

Carl Smethurst Paula Malley Jonathan Jackson Philip Ambler Karen Lamb Alistair Coney Vernon Clarke Lindsey Martin William Heyes Paul Roots Dave McAleavy Mark Tripney Rick Rogers Nicola Ball Stephen Cook Donald Tyson Jeanette MatthewsGriffiths Thomas Heywood Chris Leggett Faith Crompton

The Mersey Forest (Chair)

ICEP

Business Link GME

Local Food First

BTCV

GONW

EAGGF Secretariat

James Heyes & Sons

Environment Agency

Sefton Council

Nuffield Scholarship

St Helens Borough Council

Clean Merseyside Centre

E Cook and Sons

Beef Semen on Line

Wadacre Farm Day Nursery

Church Society

Sefton Borough Council

Nigel Blandford

Red Rose Forest

Farmline

Liverpool University

KMBC

Green Apprentices

Objective One – GONW

GONW

NWDA

Rural Development Service

Acorn Venture Farm

Bates Farm & Diary Ltd

DEFRA

Mysercough

Liverpool City Council

Stanley Estate & Stud Co

St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council

Rice Lane City Farm

Apologies: -

Alice Bradley David Shaw Howard Patterson Kevin Griffin Tracy Gordon Helen Sweeney Mark Joslyn Sam Alston Fiona Smith Stephen Bates Graham Critchley Lorna Tyson Gordon Dacre Martin Harker Bob Massingham Colin Barry

Further opportunities were communicated to comment and feed into a proposal for Merseyside highlighted in the Summer 2007 ICEP newsletter, ICEP forum web site and at the Merseyside Rural Business Conference 2nd March 2007, at which more details of possible funding were discussed and senior members of NWDA and GONW

were available for informal discussion. Further one to one meetings have been held with key individuals to discuss issues and potential development ideas. Including: Local Bank Managers Knowsley Estates Leverhulme Estates NFU BTCV Merseyside Biodiversity group North West NFU cereal group members EFFP National Federation of Young Farmers The action points from the initial meeting that have been developed are: • Small verses large capital grants • It was felt that more successful outcomes would be gained from many small interventions (risk management) • Improvement and standardisation of equine businesses • Promotion of existing business • Links to procurement contracts • Supply of local produce to local people • Distribution links • Local branding and local buyer mark Big Six Themed Priority The Proposed programme will be based on a “Can Do, Willing to Help” approach to assist and encourage the growth in Rural Business. The delivery model will be based around those issues identified during the public consultation process as being the “BIG SIX” that will act as a driver to help self empowerment by Rural Business. Support Merseyside Development of a cooperative approach that will encapsulate fresh, beverages, preserve, processed and frozen food from the best of Merseyside’s producers. Aims to add value, develop processing and packaging facilities, develop distribution, create a back room network, develop and access new markets and be an effective player in supplying public procurement. This will not be an initiative to help or assist; it will be farmer/producer controlled businesses that will be commercially driven. Beneficiaries – All growers, producers and processors will be able to contribute towards the project. Development Opportunities – Grain storage, agronomy development group, distribution hub, brewing and beverage centre, retail outlets, food service range, computer controlled vegetable sort/packer. Merseyside Equine Business Group The aim of this project will be to encourage an accreditation system for facilities within Merseyside, a formal body to lobby for access routes and connectivity to

existing leisure facilities, networking opportunities and access to funding for facility improvement. The project will work closely with the BHS (British Horse Society) and volunteers in developing their objectives. Beneficiaries – Equine industry in Merseyside and people who use the facilities for sport and recreation. Development Opportunities- Quality Standard, standardisation on business rates and VAT, Facility improvement, promotion, bridleways, off road riding. Sustainable Biomass Formation of a supply company to address continuity and quality of renewable energy (bio mass) that can be grown and harvested. Linked to need and regional plan for developing renewable energy generation. The development of a forest management plan by the majority of woodland owners. To maximise returns and optimise the potential for woodland plantings. Environmental improvement and habitat management to aid bio diversity and increase species numbers and diversity. Beneficiaries – Growers, processors, end users and the general population that will benefit from the reduced production of carbon dioxide and increase in green planting. Development Opportunities – Advise on woodland management, crop development, processing, product development, sales and marketing. Recycling & Carbon Auditing Increasing capacity and ability to recycle trade waste in rural areas and the assessment and reduction of a businesses carbon foot-print, in the form of a green audit. Beneficiaries - Any business that wants to address its recycling/carbon balance in a rural location. Development Opportunities – Recycling of waste, adding value to waste, carbon audit, energy and water use. Rural Retail, Business Improvement Business improvement through a modular approach. Service, Marketing, Monitoring, Supply, Logistics, Merchandising, Networks and Modelling. It would be hoped to create strong linkage and generic outcomes from work with Support Merseyside. Beneficiaries – Any rural retail business that has a business need or a weakness they would like to improve on. The help pack that is split initially into seven units will have a set budget appropriate to the task. Development Opportunities – Support packs, specialist advice on problem areas, promotion and marketing Attractions and Tourism Development of service pack, better linkage to TMP and promotion of availability. Beneficiaries – All established or emerging rural attractions which hold people in the rural economy. Development Opportunities – Promotion, Marketing, skill development, Facility improvement

Axis 1 & 3 Axis 1 Measure Title

114

Use of advisory services

% Allocation of axis Themed Priority Support Merseyside Sustainable Biomass Equine Business Carbon Footprint Rural Retail, Deevelopment Tourism and Atraction

Axis 3 Measure Title

20%

70%

10%

115

123

124 Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies

Setting up of management, relief and advisory services

Adding value to agricultural and forestry products

20%

40%

20%

30%

100%

40%

30%

20%

30%

10%

20%

10%

311 312 Diversification Business into noncreation and agricultural development

313 Encouragement of tourism activities

activities % Allocation of axis Themed Priority Support Merseyside Sustainable Biomass Equine Business Carbon Footprint Rural Retail, Development Tourism and Attraction

40%

60%

20%

10%

20%

20% 10%

20% 100%

Complementary Activity The current ICEP project works closely with organisations and individuals that bring benefits to Rural Merseyside. This approach not only brings complementarity but also reduces costs avoids duplication and highlights best practice. FWAG, EBLEX, HGCA, NFU, BTCV, Business Link and Natural England events have all been accessed in the past by rural business to further current project objectives. It would be the aim of future delivery to optimise all opportunities for joint activity and “piggy backing” to further aid project objectives. Delivery Strategy ICEP is a partnership initiative to support the rural regeneration of Merseyside, working with national, regional and local agencies. Funding for innovative and sustainable projects is a key driver in the long term future of rural areas. Aims and Objectives The ICEP aim is to provide an umbrella project encompassing improvements to rural businesses and the environment in Merseyside. Given the unique nature of Merseyside and its diverse character, the use of an integrated scheme is considered essential to produce maximum benefit for the beneficiaries. These aims will be achieved through projects contributing to the following key actions: 1. Assist in the restructuring of rural and land management enterprises to help them adjust to the pressures facing the industry and to increase their competitiveness.

2. Develop the marketing and processing of Merseyside’s agricultural, horticultural and other land management produce and products. 3. Develop opportunities for farm and land management business diversification on Merseyside including new crops and non farming activities, including forestry. 4. Promote improved integration between the urban and rural communities through a positive programme of community development, countryside management and environmental enhancement activity linked to the Mersey Forest and other key environmental designations and habitats. 5. To improve the environment and the quality of life for the people of Merseyside 6. Provide opportunities for all members of society to enjoy the benefits of the Integrated Countryside and Environment Plan.

ICEP has proven its ability in deliver the support and advice that rural businesses require to maximise the benefits from funding initiatives. The project would be delivered by the existing experienced team that has gained trust and respect from the rural business community of Merseyside. Key Delivery Strengths • Experienced team • Proven delivery ability • Operational without set-up costs or time lag • Proven communication channels to rural business • Supported by local governance The delivery approach will follow the current model using the partnerships that have been developed to maximise outcomes and optimise delivery. The project team has work hard over the past six years in developing a support and advice package that has brought true benefit to rural business.

COMMON MEASURE TEMPLATE FOR LEADER AND NON-LEADER APPROACHES RDPE Measure Code Rationale for Intervention

Objectives of the Intervention

Allocation (%)

114 – Use of advisory services 698. Article 24 of the Regulation allows for support to be granted in order to help farmers and forest holders to meet costs arising from the use of advisory services for the improvement of the overall performance of their holding. However, in the case of farmers, it goes on to constrain the conditions under which the support is available: “As a minimum the advisory service to farmers shall cover: • the statutory management requirements and the good agricultural and environmental conditions provided for in Articles 4 and 5 of and in Annexes III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003; • occupational safety standards based on Community legislation”. 699. In England, the requirements of Articles 4 and 5 of Annexes III and IV of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 are being funded separately, and not under the Rural Development Programme. Advisory services for farmers will not therefore be supported under this measure, though as noted above, the vocational training and information services measure will be used extensively. The measure will however be used for providing advisory services to woodland owners. 700. A comprehensive assessment of the needs of woodland owners, and the wider sector carried out in 2003 308 showed that one of the most needed Government interventions was advice on management and for increased emphasis on advice, extension and training.

701. The objective of the measure is to improve the sustainable management of neglected woodlands.

Initially 20% of axis one budget. Rate of support 50 80% of the costs of the advice, depending on local need and demand, up to a maximum of 1500 Euro per holding. 20

Equal Opportunities

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is a cross-cutting theme of the programme. All interventions must take this into account, energy efficiency, removal of waste, resource use; local materials and health are just some of the factors the projects will consider. .

Description of Proposed Activity

Merseyside Supply Network,

ACTIVITY ONE

Type of Support

Beneficiaries Total Cost Intervention Rate (%) Coverage Indicators and Targets

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside

Description of Proposed Activity Type of Support

Equine business group,

ACTIVITY TWO

Beneficiaries Total Cost Intervention Rate (%) Coverage Indicators and Targets Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY THREE Description of Proposed Activity

Sustainable Biomass 702. Providing advice to forest holders and farmers whose holding includes woodland on the sustainable management of their woodland. 703. Advice would cover, as a minimum, compliance with legislation that is directly relevant to the woodland, including: Felling Licences, Environmental Impact Assessment, SSSI legislation, Habitats Regulations and other species protection legislation. It must also cover appropriate advice on the public safety issues associated with trees and precautions to avoid accidents during management operations. 704. The provision of advice may also be geographically targeted to those areas deemed to be of greatest public interest. Examples of such geographic targeting might 22

include: woods near to centres of population, woods in designated landscapes (National Parks and AONBs) and protected sites (SACs/SPAs/SSSIs). Type of Support Advice and support on improvement of woodland management, sustainability and economic return of woodland. This would take the form of seminars, visits and one to one sessions. Beneficiaries

Support will be granted for the use of advisory services to farmers whose holding includes woodland and owners or occupiers of woodland or forest which meets the targeting/prioritising criteria.

Total Cost

70% of measure allocation

Intervention Rate (%)

Rate of support 50 80% of the costs of the advice, depending on local need and demand, up to a maximum of 1500 Euro per holding.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Description of Proposed Activity Type of Support

Rural Retail, Business improvement

Direct support of 8 businesses

ACTIVITY FOUR

Advice and support on improvement of woodland management, sustainability and economic return of woodland. This would take the form of seminars, visits and one to one sessions. 23

Beneficiaries

Support will be granted for the use of advisory services to farmers whose holding includes woodland and owners or occupiers of woodland or forest which meets the targeting/prioritising criteria.

Total Cost

10% of measure allocation

Intervention Rate (%)

Rate of support 50 80% of the costs of the advice, depending on local need and demand, up to a maximum of 1500 Euro per holding.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Support of 2 businesses

ACTIVITY FIVE Description of Proposed Activity

Attraction and Tourism development 702. Providing advice to forest holders and farmers whose holding includes woodland on the sustainable management of their woodland. 703. Advice would cover, as a minimum, compliance with legislation that is directly relevant to the woodland, including: Felling Licences, Environmental Impact Assessment, SSSI legislation, Habitats Regulations and other species protection legislation. It must also cover appropriate advice on the public safety issues associated with trees and precautions to avoid accidents during management operations. 704. The provision of advice may also be geographically targeted to those areas deemed to be of greatest public interest. Examples of such geographic targeting might include: woods near to centres of population, woods in designated landscapes (National Parks and AONBs) and protected sites (SACs/SPAs/SSSIs). 24

Type of Support Advice and support on improvement of woodland management, sustainability and economic return of woodland. This would take the form of seminars, visits and one to one sessions.

Beneficiaries

Support will be granted for the use of advisory services to farmers whose holding includes woodland and owners or occupiers of woodland or forest which meets the targeting/prioritising criteria.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

10% of measure allocation Rate of support 50 80% of the costs of the advice, depending on local need and demand, up to a maximum of 1500 Euro per holding.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside Support of 2 businesses

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Description of Proposed Activity

ACTIVITY SIX Recycling And Carbon Audit, Addressing waste, energy and carbon foot print of rural business 702. Providing advice to forest holders and farmers whose holding includes woodland on the sustainable management of their woodland. 703. Advice would cover, as a minimum, compliance with legislation that is directly relevant to the woodland, including: Felling Licences, Environmental Impact Assessment, SSSI legislation, Habitats Regulations and other species protection legislation. It must also cover appropriate advice on the public safety issues associated with trees and precautions to avoid accidents during management operations. 704. The provision of advice may also be geographically targeted to those areas 25

deemed to be of greatest public interest. Examples of such geographic targeting might include: woods near to centres of population, woods in designated landscapes (National Parks and AONBs) and protected sites (SACs/SPAs/SSSIs). Type of Support

Advice and support on improvement of woodland management, sustainability and economic return of woodland. This would take the form of seminars, visits and one to one sessions.

Beneficiaries

Support will be granted for the use of advisory services to farmers whose holding includes woodland and owners or occupiers of woodland or forest which meets the targeting/prioritising criteria.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

10% of measure allocation Rate of support 50 80% of the costs of the advice, depending on local need and demand, up to a maximum of 1500 Euro per holding.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

2 businesses supported

RDPE Measure Code Rationale for Intervention

115 – Setting up of management, relief and advisory services

713. Collaborative farm management ventures, such as buying groups and labour and machinery rings, allow farm businesses to operate more efficiently through the sharing of labour and machinery, and through purchasing inputs and raw materials more efficiently. Tailored farm advisory services that address gaps in existing advisory provisions 26

can help with adaptation and improve overall farm performance. 714. The existing provision of low cost but high quality forestry advice is not evenly distributed across the country. Projects such as Silvanus have demonstrated how advisory services can be established and become self sustaining in areas where it was recognised there was a shortfall in advisory provision. These have been done without serious adverse impact on existing advisers operating in the area. Forestry advisory services enable the development and marketing of forestry added value products, new products and new market development.

Objectives of the Intervention 715. The objective of this measure is to help farmers and forest holders to adapt to changing circumstances (including market changes, environmental changes and regulatory changes), to improve and facilitate management, and to improve overall performance by further enhancing human potential.

Allocation (%) Equal Opportunities

Sustainable Development

20% of Axis 1 budget

All businesses and individuals will be assessed, assisted or signposted equally based on need. Additional systems will be put in place to eliminate any barrier that may hinder an individuals or companies ability to access the project. Sustainable development is a cross-cutting theme of the programme. All interventions must take this into account, energy efficiency, removal of waste, resource use; local materials and health are just some of the factors the projects will consider. .

ACTIVITY ONE Description of Proposed Activity

Merseyside Supply Network, 717. Support for farm management and advisory services will be used to establish, and where appropriate expand, joint management services (covering issues such as business planning and joint venture operational planning) and advisory services (such as machinery rings). A variety of actions will be used to achieve this, including (though 27

not restricted to) facilitation, group workshops, syndicate establishment and group mentoring. 718. For forestry, the aim will be to increase the number, range and quality of advisory services available at an affordable level to forest holders and remedy gaps in provision of advisory services.

5201 719. Support for setting up new forestry advisory services will provide advice to farmers who have woodland in their holdings and forest holders on sustainable management of their forests. The advisory service to be provided must be carefully matched to the needs of the forest holders and the nature of the woodland in the area covered. 720. Type of services to be covered: • statutory requirements; • advisory and management services active in the development and marketing of valueadded products; • developing collaborative activity and new product and new market development; • growing, harvesting, processing and enduse of renewable energy crops.

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Costs associated with the establishment of the new advisory or management service including: cooperation, legal fees, accountancy costs, office equipment, assessing existing service provision (i.e. supply), needs of owners (i.e. market), establishing and registering a new body, recruitment of staff, training of staff in their first year of employment, purchase of IT equipment and software, marketing and promotion of the service, and quality assurance/customer satisfaction. Capital items, including vehicles and premises, are not eligible. Organisations, holdings or individuals setting up farm management, farm relief 28

and farm advisory services, as well as forestry advisory services. New services (which may include a new service to be delivered by an existing service provider), will only be eligible for support under this measure if there is a demonstrated deficit in the provision of appropriate advice in that area. For forestry advisory services, this must be based on an assessment of the existing advisory services, and an evaluation of whether this is matched to the nature of the woodland resource and the needs of the owners. The impact of a new service on the existing advisory services must be assessed and taken into account when deciding on which new services are supported. Support for new services will not be given in areas where they will undermine the viability of existing advice providers who are providing a satisfactory service.

Total Cost

30% of measure allocation

Intervention Rate (%)

50% in the first year, 30% in the second year and 20% in the third year. No support beyond that.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside . Set up 1 venture

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside

ACTIVITY TWO Description of Proposed Activity

Equine business group, 717. Support for farm management and advisory services will be used to establish, and where appropriate expand, joint management services (covering issues such as business planning and joint venture operational planning) and advisory services (such as machinery rings). A variety of actions will be used to achieve this, including (though not restricted to) facilitation, group workshops, syndicate establishment and group mentoring. 718. For forestry, the aim will be to increase the number, range and quality of advisory services available at an affordable level to forest holders and remedy gaps in provision 29

of advisory services.

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

into account when deciding on which new services are supported. Support for new services will not be given in areas where they will undermine the viability of existing advice providers who are providing a satisfactory service.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

30% of measure 50% in the first year, 30% in the second year and 20% in the third year. No support beyond that.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Set up one venture

ACTIVITY THREE Description of Proposed Activity

Sustainable Biomass 717. Support for farm management and advisory services will be used to establish, and where appropriate expand, joint management services (covering issues such as business planning and joint venture operational planning) and advisory services (such as machinery rings). A variety of actions will be used to achieve this, including (though not restricted to) facilitation, group workshops, syndicate establishment and group mentoring. 718. For forestry, the aim will be to increase the number, range and quality of advisory services available at an affordable level to forest holders and remedy gaps in provision of advisory services.

720. Type of services to be covered: • statutory requirements; • advisory and management services active in the development and marketing of valueadded products; • developing collaborative activity and new product and new market development; • growing, harvesting, processing and enduse of renewable energy crops.

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention

Organisations, holdings or individuals setting up farm management, farm relief and farm advisory services, as well as forestry advisory services. New services (which may include a new service to be delivered by an existing service provider), will only be eligible for support under this measure if there is a demonstrated deficit in the provision of appropriate advice in that area. For forestry advisory services, this must be based on an assessment of the existing advisory services, and an evaluation of whether this is matched to the nature of the woodland resource and the needs of the owners. The impact of a new service on the existing advisory services must be assessed and taken into account when deciding on which new services are supported. Support for new services will not be given in areas where they will undermine the viability of existing advice providers who are providing a satisfactory service. 30% of measure 50% in the first year, 30% in the second year and 20% in the third year. No support beyond that. 32

Rate (%) Coverage Indicators and Targets Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside Set up one venture Merseyside .

ACTIVITY FOUR Description of Proposed Activity

Rural Retail, Business improvement 717. Support for farm management and advisory services will be used to establish, and where appropriate expand, joint management services (covering issues such as business planning and joint venture operational planning) and advisory services (such as machinery rings). A variety of actions will be used to achieve this, including (though not restricted to) facilitation, group workshops, syndicate establishment and group mentoring. 718. For forestry, the aim will be to increase the number, range and quality of advisory services available at an affordable level to forest holders and remedy gaps in provision of advisory services.

of renewable energy crops.

Type of Support

Beneficiaries Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

50% in the first year, 30% in the second year and 20% in the third year. No support beyond that.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY FIVE Description of Proposed Activity Type of

Attraction and Tourism development

Costs associated with the establishment of the new advisory or management 34

Support

service including: cooperation, legal fees, accountancy costs, office equipment, assessing existing service provision (i.e. supply), needs of owners (i.e. market), establishing and registering a new body, recruitment of staff, training of staff in their first year of employment, purchase of IT equipment and software, marketing and promotion of the service, and quality assurance/customer satisfaction. Capital items, including vehicles and premises, are not eligible.

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

50% in the first year, 30% in the second year and 20% in the third year. No support beyond that.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY SIX Description of Proposed Activity

Recycling And Carbon Audit, Addressing waste, energy and carbon foot print of rural business 717. Support for farm management and advisory services will be used to establish, and where appropriate expand, joint management services (covering issues such as business planning and joint venture operational planning) and advisory services (such as machinery rings). A variety of actions will be used to achieve this, including (though not restricted to) facilitation, group workshops, syndicate establishment and group mentoring. 718. For forestry, the aim will be to increase the number, range and quality of advisory services available at an affordable level to forest holders and remedy gaps in provision of advisory services.

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Total Cost

10% of measure

Intervention Rate (%)

50% in the first year, 30% in the second year and 20% in the third year. No support beyond that.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Work with 5 businesses

RDPE Measure Code

123 – Adding value to agricultural and forestry products 37

Rationale for Intervention

. 764. As one of the five drivers of productivity, innovation is considered crucial to economic growth and long term prosperity (DTI, 2006). However, the market sometimes fails to provide the assets required for innovation due to issues of scale and uncertainty. Many agricultural firms may have problems innovating because of their size 316 . The agricultural and forestry sectors are largely populated by small firms isolated from the services and information sources available to other sectors. The market is not large enough to encourage the development of new technologies or consulting services to assist in improvements. Any existing consulting services are expensive, particularly for the small firms that constitute the agricultural and forestry sectors, and as a result the sectors are unable, without intervention, to invest in the research necessary to achieve innovation. Similar market failures exist in the forestry sector, meaning that in the absence of support the sector is unable to take advantage of the opportunities that exist for substituting wood for less environmentally sustainable raw materials, particularly for energy production. Woodfuel represents a major new market opportunity, for low grade hard and softwood. But it requires innovation in terms of harvesting equipment and techniques, processing, marketing, supply chains, and end user facilities.

765. The objective of the measure is to improve the processing and marketing of Objectives of the Intervention primary agricultural and forestry products through investment in improved efficiency,

renewable energy, new technologies and new market opportunities, and to improve the overall performance of the enterprise. 766. Improvements in the processing and marketing of primary agricultural and forestry products should be encouraged by means of support for: • investments aimed at improving efficiency in the processing and marketing sector; • promoting the processing and marketing of agricultural and forestry production for renewable energy; • introducing new technologies and innovation; • opening new market opportunities for agricultural and forestry products, putting emphasis on quality; • improving environmental protection, occupational safety, hygiene and animal welfare, as appropriate. 767. As a general rule the measure will be targeted on, micro, small and mediumsized enterprises and other enterprises under a certain size, which are better placed to add value to local products. 768. The measure will also be used to promote the development of new markets for 38

forestry products which will in turn support management of woodland which will protect the public interest and enhance the public benefits it provides.

Allocation (%) Equal Opportunities

Sustainable Development

40% of Axis 1 budget

ACTIVITY ONE Description of Proposed Activity

Merseyside Supply Network, 769. Investments will be expected to lead to one or more of the following improvements to an enterprise: • develop new products and open up new markets, including local and/or niche markets; • introduce new technology or processes; • improve quality standards, occupational health and safety; • enhancing environmental performance and reducing waste.

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

For agricultural products eligibility will be limited to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (note state aid guidance). For forestry products eligibility will be limited to micro enterprises.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

100% of measure 778. Investments in primary agricultural processing and marketing (Annex 1 in and Annex 1 out) will be in accordance with the framework established in Article 4 of Commission Regulation 1857/2006. Large companies will be subject to de minimis support under Commission Regulation 1998/2006. 779. For small and medium sized businesses, aid intensity for annex 1 in and Annex 1 out will be at the following rates: • Up to 50% in Convergence objective areas; • Up to 40% in other areas. 780. For intermediate enterprises above the SME threshold (with less than 750 employees or with a turnover of less than €200 million), aid intensity rates will be as follows for annex 1 in and annex 1 out: • Up to 25% in Convergence objective areas; • Up to 20% in other areas. 781. Investments concerning primary agricultural processing and marketing where the end products are nonAnnex 1 will be funded in accordance with the SME block exemptions (Commission Regulation 70/2001: state aid to small and medium enterprises). 782. In all cases, large companies (in excess of 750 employees or with a turnover of more than €200 million) will be subject to de minimis support under Commission 40

Regulation 1998/2006.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside .

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside

ACTIVITY TWO Description of Proposed Activity

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Equine business group, 769. Investments will be expected to lead to one or more of the following improvements to an enterprise: • develop new products and open up new markets, including local and/or niche markets; • introduce new technology or processes; • improve quality standards, occupational health and safety; • enhancing environmental performance and reducing waste.

776. Eligible costs will include: • capital costs including new build and conversions, equipment and machinery and associated infrastructure; • architects’, engineers’ and consultants’ fees; • feasibility studies; • product development, branding and design costs. 777. Second hand equipment for large 317 companies will be ineligible. For agricultural products eligibility will be limited to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (note state aid guidance). For forestry products eligibility will be limited to micro enterprises. 41

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

778. Investments in primary agricultural processing and marketing (Annex 1 in and Annex 1 out) will be in accordance with the framework established in Article 4 of Commission Regulation 1857/2006. Large companies will be subject to de minimis support under Commission Regulation 1998/2006. 779. For small and medium sized businesses, aid intensity for annex 1 in and Annex 1 out will be at the following rates: • Up to 50% in Convergence objective areas; • Up to 40% in other areas. 780. For intermediate enterprises above the SME threshold (with less than 750 employees or with a turnover of less than €200 million), aid intensity rates will be as follows for annex 1 in and annex 1 out: • Up to 25% in Convergence objective areas; • Up to 20% in other areas. 781. Investments concerning primary agricultural processing and marketing where the end products are nonAnnex 1 will be funded in accordance with the SME block exemptions (Commission Regulation 70/2001: state aid to small and medium enterprises). 782. In all cases, large companies (in excess of 750 employees or with a turnover of more than €200 million) will be subject to de minimis support under Commission Regulation 1998/2006.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY THREE 42

Description of Proposed Activity

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

Sustainable Biomass 769. Investments will be expected to lead to one or more of the following improvements to an enterprise: • develop new products and open up new markets, including local and/or niche markets; • introduce new technology or processes; • improve quality standards, occupational health and safety; • enhancing environmental performance and reducing waste.

follows for annex 1 in and annex 1 out: • Up to 25% in Convergence objective areas; • Up to 20% in other areas. 781. Investments concerning primary agricultural processing and marketing where the end products are nonAnnex 1 will be funded in accordance with the SME block exemptions (Commission Regulation 70/2001: state aid to small and medium enterprises). 782. In all cases, large companies (in excess of 750 employees or with a turnover of more than €200 million) will be subject to de minimis support under Commission Regulation 1998/2006.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Description of Proposed Activity

Rural Retail, Business improvement 769. Investments will be expected to lead to one or more of the following improvements to an enterprise: • develop new products and open up new markets, including local and/or niche markets; • introduce new technology or processes; • improve quality standards, occupational health and safety; • enhancing environmental performance and reducing waste.

ACTIVITY FOUR

Type of

776. Eligible costs will include: 44

Support

• capital costs including new build and conversions, equipment and machinery and associated infrastructure; • architects’, engineers’ and consultants’ fees; • feasibility studies; • product development, branding and design costs. 777. Second hand equipment for large 317 companies will be ineligible.

Beneficiaries

For agricultural products eligibility will be limited to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (note state aid guidance). For forestry products eligibility will be limited to micro enterprises.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Description of Proposed Activity

Attraction and Tourism development. 769. Investments will be expected to lead to one or more of the following improvements to an enterprise: • develop new products and open up new markets, including local and/or niche markets; • introduce new technology or processes; • improve quality standards, occupational health and safety; • enhancing environmental performance and reducing waste.

ACTIVITY FIVE

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Description of

Recycling And Carbon Audit, Addressing waste, energy and carbon foot print of rural business

ACTIVITY SIX 47

Proposed Activity

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

769. Investments will be expected to lead to one or more of the following improvements to an enterprise: • develop new products and open up new markets, including local and/or niche markets; • introduce new technology or processes; • improve quality standards, occupational health and safety; • enhancing environmental performance and reducing waste.

• Up to 25% in Convergence objective areas; • Up to 20% in other areas. 781. Investments concerning primary agricultural processing and marketing where the end products are nonAnnex 1 will be funded in accordance with the SME block exemptions (Commission Regulation 70/2001: state aid to small and medium enterprises). 782. In all cases, large companies (in excess of 750 employees or with a turnover of more than €200 million) will be subject to de minimis support under Commission Regulation 1998/2006.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

RDPE Measure Code Rationale for Intervention

124- Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies

784. The Government’s Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food (SFFS) recognised the importance of reconnecting all elements of the food chain, and in particular farmers with their markets. Strengthening links between the various elements of the chain through cooperation and collaboration is seen to be a key element in achieving this objective. The SFFS emphasised the importance of reducing unnecessary costs, improving efficiency along the food chain, and adding value to production. It also noted that a drive for added value is likely to go hand in hand with the pursuit of higher quality. 49

785. In the nonfood sector, the joint Defra/DTI Strategy for nonfood crops and uses, launched in 2004, confirmed the Government’s commitment to the development of renewable materials, including those derived from forestry to provide energy, fuels and industrial products. The Government recognised the potential of these sectors and the key part they play in helping to meet sustainable development targets, as well as bringing benefits to industry competitiveness, the rural economy, and the environment. The Strategy provides a detailed action plan aimed at building supply chains and facilitating the future growth of renewables markets. 786. The development of new products, processes and technologies has an important role to play in achieving the aims of both these strategies. By collaborating to pool resources and knowledge, businesses will be better able to pursue the development and uptake of more efficient ways of working and to exploit, for example, the growing demand for quality foods and renewable raw materials such as wood fuel. However, the investment and knowledge base necessary to do this is beyond the reach of many of the, often small, businesses that make up the agriculture, food and forestry sectors. As a result, the sector is less able, without intervention, to invest in the research necessary to innovate successfully. 787. Intervention is therefore required to correct two basic market failures: first, the problem in providing the assets required for innovation; and second, the information asymmetry which causes innovation to be constrained by uncertainty about the payoffs from risky investments. It is also required to overcome the barriers which prevent businesses from collaborating. One of these barriers is the transaction cost, particularly in terms of time, that one business faces if it wishes to collaborate with another. Use of this measure will reduce those transaction costs by providing funds for the infrastructure that supports collaboration. 788. Collaboration can be beneficial to producers and processors for a number of other reasons. Vertical collaboration brings producers closer to their markets, enabling them to respond more effectively to consumer demand. Collaborating with retailers and processors can also improve traceability and ensure consistent quality. Horizontal collaboration between producers can provide economies of scale, spread risk, and facilitate efficient investment. Greater collaboration is particularly desirable at the present time because of the need for the English agricultural sector to become more marketorientated, and able to deal with issues such as risk. 50

789. The rationale relating to the need to add value to forest products in outlined in measure 123. 790. Measure 123 is restricted to microenterprises, but developing new products and processes can require capital investment beyond the means of such businesses. It is therefore necessary to implement this measure to enable more major and large scale innovations to be pursued, as cooperative ventures. Linkage between growers and producers can also be very critical in terms of security of supply and market for an innovative product, and this measure specifically facilitates this.

Objectives of the Intervention 791. To ensure that the agriculture and food sector can take advantage of market

opportunities through widespread innovative approaches in developing new products, processes and technologies. For this purpose, cooperation between farmers, the food and the raw materials processing industry and other parties should be encouraged. 792. To promote cooperation between producers and processors to develop innovative uses for forest products, this will in turn lead to management of woodlands, which protects their pubic interest and enhances the public benefits.

Allocation (%) Equal Opportunities

Sustainable Development

20% of Axis 1 budget

ACTIVITY ONE 51

Description of Proposed Activity

Merseyside Supply Network,

Type of Support

797. The following will be considered to be eligible costs: • preparatory operations such as design, product, process or technology development and tests and other tangible and/or intangible investments related to the cooperation (such as legal fees/accountancy costs), before the use of the newly developed products, processes and technologies for commercial purposes.

Beneficiaries

794. Eligible beneficiaries under this measure are: • primary producers in agriculture and forestry, the processing industry and/or third parties (no limitation in size); • partners involved in the cooperation projects. 795. Support under the measure will be available to all sectors of the agriculture, forestry and food industries. Potential partners in cooperation include farmers, food manufacturers and processors, food retailers and distributors, forestry enterprises, raw materials processors, manufacturers and distributors of inputs, trade associations, levy boards and research establishments.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

40% of measure 798. Investments concerning primary agricultural processing and marketing will be funded subject to limits imposed by the SME block exemptions under Commission Regulation 70/2001 (state aid to small and medium sized enterprises), though nonSMEs will require separate notification.

793. Broadly as per measure 123, though support will also be available under this measure to support the transaction costs, particularly in terms of time, of collaboration but each must involve collaboration between two or more producers, processors or other enterprises.

5218 52

799. No additional national aid will be used to support interventions under this measure.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside .

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside

Description of Proposed Activity

Equine Business Group

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

794. Eligible beneficiaries under this measure are: • primary producers in agriculture and forestry, the processing industry and/or third parties (no limitation in size);

ACTIVITY TWO 793. Broadly as per measure 123, though support will also be available under this measure to support the transaction costs, particularly in terms of time, of collaboration but each must involve collaboration between two or more producers, processors or other enterprises.

• partners involved in the cooperation projects. 795. Support under the measure will be available to all sectors of the agriculture, forestry and food industries. Potential partners in cooperation include farmers, food manufacturers and processors, food retailers and distributors, forestry enterprises, raw materials processors, manufacturers and distributors of inputs, trade associations, levy boards and research establishments.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

10% of measure 798. Investments concerning primary agricultural processing and marketing will be funded subject to limits imposed by the SME block exemptions under Commission Regulation 70/2001 (state aid to small and medium sized enterprises), though nonSMEs will require separate notification.

5218 799. No additional national aid will be used to support interventions under this measure.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY THREE Description of Proposed Activity

Sustainable Biomass 793. Broadly as per measure 123, though support will also be available under this measure to support the transaction costs, particularly in terms of time, of collaboration but each must involve collaboration between two or more producers, processors or other enterprises.

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

20% of measure 798. Investments concerning primary agricultural processing and marketing will be funded subject to limits imposed by the SME block exemptions under Commission Regulation 70/2001 (state aid to small and medium sized enterprises), though nonSMEs will require separate notification.

5218 799. No additional national aid will be used to support interventions under this measure.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Description of Proposed Activity

Rural Retail, Business Improvement

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

ACTIVITY FOUR 793. Broadly as per measure 123, though support will also be available under this measure to support the transaction costs, particularly in terms of time, of collaboration but each must involve collaboration between two or more producers, processors or other enterprises.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

5% of measure 798. Investments concerning primary agricultural processing and marketing will be funded subject to limits imposed by the SME block exemptions under Commission Regulation 70/2001 (state aid to small and medium sized enterprises), though nonSMEs will require separate notification.

5218 799. No additional national aid will be used to support interventions under this measure.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY FIVE Description of Proposed Activity

Type of Support

Attractions and Tourism 793. Broadly as per measure 123, though support will also be available under this measure to support the transaction costs, particularly in terms of time, of collaboration but each must involve collaboration between two or more producers, processors or other enterprises.

776. Eligible costs will include: • capital costs including new build and conversions, equipment and machinery and 57

associated infrastructure; • architects’, engineers’ and consultants’ fees; • feasibility studies; • product development, branding and design costs. 777. Second hand equipment for large 317 companies will be ineligible.

Beneficiaries

For agricultural products eligibility will be limited to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (note state aid guidance). For forestry products eligibility will be limited to micro enterprises.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

5218 799. No additional national aid will be used to support interventions under this measure.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY SIX Description of Proposed Activity

Recycling And Carbon Audit, Addressing waste, energy and carbon foot print of rural business 793. Broadly as per measure 123, though support will also be available under this 58

measure to support the transaction costs, particularly in terms of time, of collaboration but each must involve collaboration between two or more producers, processors or other enterprises.

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

5218 799. No additional national aid will be used to support interventions under this measure. 59

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

RDPE Measure Code Rationale for Intervention

311 – Diversification into non-agricultural activities

1187. Agriculture is going through some key economic changes at the current time, particularly influenced by the 2003 CAP reforms, which will further expose farmers to market forces and free them from the constraints of coupled direct payments, but also provides new business challenges. Benefits of farm diversification to farms are clear, with diversified enterprises providing a quarter or more of total farm incomes in over half of businesses with diversified enterprises. Grant funding for farms can also help to lever in other forms of investment, contributing to the viability of farms through building capacity and increasing the scale of operation. Farm diversification can also have wider benefits beyond the farm gate, especially where there are linkages between farms and the local economy, including increased employment opportunities, although evidence for this is less clear cut. Care must be taken to ensure that projects deliver additionality, and do not displace other similar business enterprises that are not supported by public funds. There is therefore a need to take a targeted approach, with the focus on providing a clear benefit that would not otherwise be delivered

1188. The objective of this measure is to support farm business restructuring through Objectives of the Intervention the development of diversified activities that provide alternative income sources.

Allocation (%)

40% of axis 60

Equal Opportunities

Sustainable Development

Description of Proposed Activity

Merseyside Supply Network,

Type of Support

Development, improvement and advise to existing diversification and the creation of new attractions, ventures and cooperative ventures.

Beneficiaries

ACTIVITY ONE

• • • • • • •

grant aid towards the costs of capital investment; start-up revenue costs; market research and feasibility studies; marketing support, product development, branding and design costs; technical skills acquisition, coaching and mentoring support; bespoke training intrinsic to individual project applications; technical support to help new businesses become established and to help existing businesses to consolidate and expand.

exception of farm workers. Where a member of the farm household is a legal person or group of legal persons, that member must exercise an agricultural activity on the farm at the time of the support application.”

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

60% 1192. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside

ACTIVITY TWO Description of Proposed Activity

Equine business group, Improvement, accreditation, quality control and construction of strategic requirements in the equine sector in Merseyside.

Type of Support

Development, improvement and advise to existing diversification and the creation of new attractions, ventures and cooperative ventures. • • • • • • •

Beneficiaries

Support under this measure will only be available to members of a farm household as defined: “a natural or legal person or a group of natural or legal persons, whatever legal status is granted to the group and its members by national law, with the exception of farm workers. Where a member of the farm household is a legal person or group of legal persons, that member must exercise an agricultural activity on the farm at the time of the support application.”

Total Cost

20%

Intervention Rate (%)

1192. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY THREE Description of Proposed Activity Type of Support

Energy Supply Cooperative, Formation of a ccop to supply and deliver alternative renewable energy sources. Initially aimed at biomass supply and delivery the remit could be extended to anerobic digestion, oil and starch crops. Development, improvement and advise to existing diversification and the creation of new attractions, ventures and cooperative ventures. • • • • • •

•

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

technical support to help new businesses become established and to help existing businesses to consolidate and expand.

10% 1192. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY FOUR Description of Proposed Activity Type of Support

Rural Retail, Business improvement

Development, improvement and advise to existing diversification and the creation of new attractions, ventures and cooperative ventures. •

grant aid towards the costs of capital investment; 64

• • • • • •

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

start-up revenue costs; market research and feasibility studies; marketing support, product development, branding and design costs; technical skills acquisition, coaching and mentoring support; bespoke training intrinsic to individual project applications; technical support to help new businesses become established and to help existing businesses to consolidate and expand.

10% 1192. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Description of Proposed

Attraction and Tourism development

ACTIVITY FIVE 65

Activity

Recycling And Carbon Audit, Addressing waste, energy and carbon foot print of rural business

Type of Support

Development, improvement and advise to existing diversification and the creation of new attractions, ventures and cooperative ventures.

Beneficiaries

• • • • • • •

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

1192. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside . 66

ACTIVITY SIX Description of Proposed Activity Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Recycling And Carbon Audit, Addressing waste, energy and carbon foot print of rural business Development, improvement and advise to existing diversification and the creation of new attractions, ventures and cooperative ventures. • • • • • • •

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

1192. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets 67

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

RDPE Measure Code Rationale for Intervention

312 – Support creation & development of microenterprises

In England micro-enterprises account for approximately 91% of the total number of firms in rural areas and form a vital component of the rural economy providing jobs and underpinning social cohesion. With appropriate help, many micro businesses could be established or expanded to stimulate economic growth, innovation, competitiveness and to create employment opportunities, thus contributing to the EU’s Lisbon agenda. Micro enterprises can also be social enterprises42. Social enterprises are an effective way of delivering and maintaining services, maintaining employment and providing local solutions to local problems. There is an opportunity to provide support for the development of sustainable rural social enterprises to help improve access to services and opportunities in rural areas.

1196. Support for the creation and development of microenterprises Objectives of the Intervention with a view to

promoting entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities. Given the high proportion of microenterprises among rural businesses, a key objective of the measure will be support for achieving the growth aspirations of small rural businesses.

Equal Opportunities

All businesses and individuals will be assessed, assisted or signposted equally based on need. Additional systems 68

will be put in place to eliminate any barrier that may hinder an individuals or companies ability to access the project.

Sustainable Development

ACTIVITY ONE Description of Proposed Activity

Merseyside Supply Network,

Type of Support

1198. This measure will provide support to existing microenterprises or to persons wishing to set up a new microenterprise. While a definitive list of such activities cannot be provided, activities that might be supported include: • retailing, manufacturing or service industries, including selfmade products, recreation, equestrian and creative industries; • environmental technologies and services, including the traditional trades required to maintain and enhance the landscape; • renewable energy (planting support and forestry processing activity eligible under other measures will not be eligible under this measure);

technical skills acquisition, coaching and mentoring support; • bespoke training intrinsic to individual project applications • technical support to help new businesses and social enterprises become established and to help existing businesses and social enterprises to consolidate and expand.

Beneficiaries

1197. Eligible beneficiaries under this measure are: • microenterprises as defined in the Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC • existing microenterprises or persons wishing to set up a new microenterprise.

Total Cost

20%

Intervention Rate (%)

1200. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside .

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside

ACTIVITY TWO Description of Proposed Activity

Equine Business Group 1198. This measure will provide support to existing microenterprises or to persons wishing to set up a new microenterprise. While a definitive list of such activities cannot be provided, activities that might be supported include: • retailing, manufacturing or service industries, including selfmade products, recreation, equestrian and creative industries; 70

342 ;

• environmental technologies and services, including the traditional trades required to maintain and enhance the landscape; • renewable energy (planting support and forestry processing activity eligible under other measures will not be eligible under this measure);

Type of Support

1199. The following costs will be eligible for support under this measure: • grant aid towards the costs of capital investment; • startup revenue costs; • market research and feasibility studies; • marketing support, product development, branding and design costs; technical skills acquisition, coaching and mentoring support; • bespoke training intrinsic to individual project applications • technical support to help new businesses and social enterprises become established and to help existing businesses and social enterprises to consolidate and expand.

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%) Coverage Indicators and Targets

342 ;

20% 1200. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules. Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY THREE Description of Proposed Activity

Type of Support

Sustainable Biomass, 1198. This measure will provide support to existing microenterprises or to persons wishing to set up a new microenterprise. While a definitive list of such activities cannot be provided, activities that might be supported include: • retailing, manufacturing or service industries, including selfmade products, recreation, equestrian and creative industries; • environmental technologies and services, including the traditional trades required to maintain and enhance the landscape; • renewable energy (planting support and forestry processing activity eligible under other measures will not be eligible under this measure);

and to help existing businesses and social enterprises to consolidate and expand.

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

342 ;

20% 1200. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

ACTIVITY FOUR Description of Proposed Activity

Rural Retail, Business Improvement 1198. This measure will provide support to existing microenterprises or to persons wishing to set up a new microenterprise. While a definitive list of such activities cannot be provided, activities that might be supported include: • retailing, manufacturing or service industries, including selfmade products, recreation, equestrian and creative industries; • environmental technologies and services, including the traditional trades required to maintain and enhance the landscape; 73

• renewable energy (planting support and forestry processing activity eligible under other measures will not be eligible under this measure);

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

342 ;

20% 1200. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside . 74

ACTIVITY FIVE Description of Proposed Activity

Attraction and Tourism Development

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

342 ;

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

1200. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

Description of Proposed Activity

Recycling, Energy Audit, Green Footprint

ACTIVITY SIX 1198. This measure will provide support to existing microenterprises or to persons wishing to set up a new microenterprise. While a definitive list of such activities cannot be provided, activities that might be supported include: • retailing, manufacturing or service industries, including selfmade products, recreation, equestrian and creative industries; • environmental technologies and services, including the traditional trades required to maintain and enhance the landscape; • renewable energy (planting support and forestry processing activity eligible under other measures will not be eligible under this measure); 76

Type of Support

Beneficiaries

342 ;

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

1200. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 50%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .

RDPE Measure Code

313 – Encouragement of tourism

Rationale for Intervention

The England Rural Development Programme 2000-2006 (and Objective One EAGGF) provided substantial investment for new tourist accommodation and in upgrading tourist accommodation, with some associated marketing. In most parts of the country, there remains limited justification for public intervention at individual business level except where there are significant wider benefits that can be achieved. However, there are opportunities to improve the services offered and make rural tourism more sustainable, e.g. by forging better links between the businesses and their local environmental and cultural assets (including food and drink), and by encouraging collaboration and more effective use of ICT. There is also the potential for investments in recreational infrastructure (e.g. long distance walking, cycling and riding routes) to deliver both economic and health benefits. Further progress needs to be made in improving the environmental performance of the businesses themselves (e.g. through resource efficiency, adoption of renewable energy; and promoting the use of public transport and car-free holidays). It is in areas such as these that targeted intervention is needed. Rural tourism activity is fundamentally linked to the local environmental, landscape and heritage offer. As such, sustainable tourism is a priority area of development for rural tourism in England. Designated land, such as National Parks, indicates landscapes of national importance and therefore where there are in particular wider public benefits from managing visitor impacts sustainably and effectively. In addition, some regions have identified fragile environments as being especially vulnerable to visitor impacts. Encouragement of rural tourism activities is also important for rural employment. Rural tourism can also benefit from close links with agriculture, through its role in landscape management, diversifying into provision of tourism services and through linkages with regional and local food which form part of the offer to tourists. Encouraging collaboration between food and tourism businesses would increase local rural economic benefits, such as employment, from tourism. Regions have also identified specific rural tourism business needs, such as increased use of ICT.

Objectives of the

1205. To use the natural and cultural resources in England’s rural areas to attract 78

Intervention

visitors and create new employment opportunities through the development of the tourism sector of the rural economy. To make rural tourism businesses more sustainable through collaboration, resource efficiency (including the management of visitor impacts) and effective use of ICT.

Allocation (%)

20% of Axis

Equal Opportunities

Sustainable Development

All businesses and individuals will be assessed, assisted or signposted equally based on need. Additional systems will be put eliminate any barrier that may hinder an individuals or companies ability to access the project.

Sustainable development is a cross-cutting theme of the programme. All interventions must take this into account, energy effi removal of waste, resource use; local materials and health are just some of the factors the projects will consider. .

ACTIVITY FIVE Description of Proposed Activity

Attraction and Tourism development, 1207. Support under this measure will be targeted primarily towards the development and marketing of tourism services relating to rural tourism, for example: small scale infrastructure such as information centres and the signposting and Interpretation of tourist sites; • recreational infrastructure such as that offering access to natural areas and the historic environment; • small capacity accommodation provision and upgrading of existing provision when justified by significant wider benefits; the development and/or marketing of rural tourism services; assisting tourism providers to develop clusters and business initiatives to meet visitor needs and market their products and services; networking and collaboration within the tourism industry including benchmarking; supporting the development of new niche markets e.g. ‘green tourism’; promotion of quality regional and local food culture and rural crafts linked to tourism; improved information and booking arrangements, including e tourism and other use of ICT.

Type of Support

1208. Support will be provided through: • grant aid towards the costs of smallscale capital investments; feasibility studies and startup revenue costs; • cost of establishing collaborative initiatives; marketing support and market development activities; bespoke training intrinsic to individual projects technical support to help new businesses become established and to help existing businesses to improve the quality of their services, consolidate and expand. 79

Beneficiaries

1206. This measure will provide support to existing tourism enterprises located in, and tourism related organisations operating in, rural areas, and to persons wishing to set up new rural tourism enterprises.

Total Cost Intervention Rate (%)

100% 1209. The rates of aid intensity under this measure will be up to 100%, depending on the extent of commercial return and limits imposed by the de minimis rules.

Coverage Indicators and Targets

Merseyside

Delivery Area Demarcation

Merseyside .