Defra
22 Apr 2025
Rural Growth Must Power National Renewal
Newly released figures from DEFRA’s Rural Economic Bulletin reveal a stark warning: productivity in England’s most sparsely populated rural areas has fallen to just 84% of the national average, down...
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22 Apr 2025
New Grants to Drive Innovation on Farms
DEFRA has announced a boost to food security, with more than £45 million in new grants to drive and develop innovative technologies on farms. From 28 April, applications will open...
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31 Mar 2025
An Update on the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recently announced an important update regarding the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). This fund, a critical component of the government’s...
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31 Mar 2025
Rural Communities in Focus: Insights, Inspiration, and What’s Next
Last week, we were proud to host another of our exclusive member-only seminars—this time focusing on the heartbeat of our work: rural communities. This engaging online event brought together RSN...
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03 Feb 2025
Government Launches Consultation on Land Use
The Government has initiated a public consultation to refine its approach to land use in England, aiming to balance the nation’s food security with economic expansion and environmental restoration. This...
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22 Apr 2024
Rural Lens Review on DEFRA’s Third Rural Proofing Report for 2024
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has conducted a thorough review of the DEFRA Third Rural Proofing Report for 2024, titled “Delivering Rural Opportunity.” Published in March 2024. As an advocate...
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22 Apr 2024
RSN and Rural Coalition meet DEFRA Minister
Last week our Chief Executive Kerry Booth was part of a group of key national rural organisations that meet with the DEFRA Minister Robbie Moore MP. Holding the post of...
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17 Jul 2023
Consultation launched on ways to best protect our hedgerows
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has this week launched a new consultation on the best ways we can protect our hedgerows. As the EU’s land-based subsidies...
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19 May 2023
MPs say poor transport to mental health services causing crisis in rural England
The Guardian reports the lack of transport to mental health services is causing a crisis in England’s rural communities, MPs have said. A report, compiled from 50 submissions and 11...
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09 Jan 2023
Defra Update – Money Available for Farmers and Land Managers
Defra is increasing money available for farmers and land managers. On the 5th of January, Minister Mark Spencer gave a speech at the Oxford Farming Conference, in which he announced more...
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