Grants have been announced that are expected to generate more than 6,000 new rural jobs overall and support the growth of farmers, rural businesses and broadband projects.
The government has announced the latest round of Rural Development Programme funding, as part of a £200million grant offer.
Rural Affairs Lord Gardiner confirmed that for the first time under the current scheme specific funding will be available to support new rural broadband projects.
He also said it will provide significant amounts of funding to on-farm businesses to invest in new infrastructure such as new buildings and machinery.
The government has said that the current Rural Development Programme for England is expected to generate 6,750 new jobs.
The grants will also fund landowners to improve farm productivity and invest in rural tourism opportunities.
Lord Gardiner said: "One in three businesses in this country are based in the countryside, and this government is committed to providing the support they need to create a strong and prosperous rural economy.
"This funding will make sure businesses in remote locations can get online, help farmers install cutting-edge technology, create new tourist hotspots and bring high quality jobs to rural communities across the country."
Improve broadband
This round of funding will include £30m to improve rural broadband.
The grants available will encourage growth by helping provide broadband services at speeds of 30Mbps or faster where this is not available or planned.
Farmers are still struggling with mobile phone coverage and access to reliable internet with many experiencing poor connection, a new survey released last week found.
The funding will also include £45m to help rural businesses grow and invest in new equipment.
Rural businesses, including those engaged in tourism and food production, can apply for funding to invest in their company, encouraging expansion.
Improve farm productivity
Lastly, the grant will include £120m for projects that improve farm productivity.
It is hoped this money will help farmers, foresters and landowners manage their land more effectively.
Funding will be available for a wide range of purposes, including woodland management equipment, creating on-farm reservoirs and using water more efficiently.
The first grant funding that will become available will be for reservoirs and forestry equipment and these are expected to be open for applications from Monday (31 July).
Funding for broadband, rural business support, on-farm food processing, arable and horticultural productivity and resource efficiency will be made available later in the year.
A further £6.6m will be available for animal health and welfare projects.
