The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is encouraging rural businesses to take advantage of the new £65 million investment fund now available for business and community development ideas.

The EEDA is responsible for managing the delivery of part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) in the region. The fund, which is available until the end of 2013, aims to help make rural businesses more efficient.

David Sillett, rural development manager at EEDA, told FPJ: “Each region has a set of proposals for the whole programme. In the east of England we are working towards businesses becoming more efficient, and that includes looking at the food chain in place.

“We are looking for companies or organisations to come forward with collaborative business plans. For example, we would be very happy to hear from any wholesalers that are sourcing and packing a product in the region that want to work with producers and add value to their product.

“We have only just got the go ahead for the scheme from the European Union, so it is very exciting that we are now open for business,” he added.

For more information on the scheme visit www.eeda.org.uk/rdpe.

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