Food and Drink North East (FADNE) has been appointed as a key delivery partner for the North East Rural Growth Programme (RGP) – marking a significant milestone for the organisation and the region’s thriving food and drink sector.
FADNE will help deliver the Rural Growth Programme – a three-year initiative funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority – which is designed to support businesses to start, grow and become more resilient. The programme aims to drive innovation, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen rural economies across the North East.
As part of its expanded role, FADNE will lead on a dedicated food and drink support offer, providing tailored one-to-one advice, practical workshops, and valuable networking opportunities to food, drink and hospitality businesses across the North East.
The North East Rural Growth Programme is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, with Northumberland County Council as lead delivery partner. It is supported by Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, Northumberland National Park Authority, FADNE, and North East Enterprise Agency.
Chris Jewitt, CEO of FADNE, welcomed the announcement. “This is a vindication of the work we’ve done over the past six years and clear proof of the confidence placed in our organisation,” he said. “It strengthens our capacity to provide focused, practical support to food, drink and hospitality businesses right across the North East. We look forward to working with partners to build the stability, resilience and confidence that will help our businesses not just weather challenging times but emerge stronger from them.”
To find out more, and to register your expression of interest in the Rural Growth Programme, visit www.fadne.org/rural-growth-programme
