The rural economy is vulnerable and facing change and uncertainty. Key issues are low productivity, concentration of economic inactivity in declining sectors, and a limited range of employers. Much of Somerset's rural economy is characterised by low wages and insecure employment.

Wider changes affect the rural economy too. The decline in agriculture has significant implications for Somerset's land-based economy. Farm businesses increasingly need to develop multiple income streams and diversification of the rural economy is needed to offset the changes in agriculture.

• ACCESS TO SPECIFIC FUNDING and working with partners to bid for external funding from regional, national and European sources that will assist in boosting the economy. The current set of funding programmes that we are administering and managing can be found under Rural Funding.

• INFORMATION on the rural economy. There are various datasets and resources maintained by the Economy & Europe service that are specifically relevant to the rural economy.

• SIGNPOSTING to other sources of advice and information. Please see our Links to other agencies page on the Rural Renaissance website

• SUPPORT to relevant agencies, organisations and partnerships. We are particularly keen on supporting existing and new partnerships and agencies that can work to boost the rural economy. Please see the Food and Faming page and the Market Towns page for specific information.