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 both 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 and designed to support rural 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, and supported by Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, Northumberland National Park Authority, Food and Drink North East and North East Enterprise Agency.
Chris Jewitt, CEO of Food and Drink North East, welcomed the announcement, saying, “This is a huge benefit to Food and Drink North East and a clear demonstration of the trust and support in our organisation. It reinforces our ability to deliver meaningful, targeted support for food, drink and hospitality businesses across the North East. We’re excited to work alongside partners to help businesses grow, innovate and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
To find out more and to register your expression of interest in the Rural Growth Programme, please visit: www.fadne.org/rural-growth-programme.
The North East Rural Growth Programme is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic
Authority (North East MSA), with Northumberland County Council acting as the Lead Delivery
Partner. Supported by Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, Northumberland National
Park Authority, Food and Drink North East, and North East Enterprise Agency.
