ENRD Main Stories Archives

NRN of the month: The National Rural Network of Poland

The Polish National Rural Network (NRN) was established in December 2008 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to enable the exchange of information and coordination of network activities in the regions.

The NRN brings together administrative structures (at the local, regional and national levels) and other stakeholders that contribute to rural development and have a direct or indirect impact on a better use of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

Structure

The main structure of NRN in Poland consists of the National Network Unit and 16 Regional Network Units. The National Network Unit is responsible for the implementation of the action plan, supporting the NRN Steering Committee as well as the exchanging information and experiences between NRN partners and other actors operating in rural development.

The NRN Steering Committee is an advisory body to the MARD. The group is composed of government representatives along with representatives of organisations and institutions involved in rural development. The committee meetings are held at least once a year.

The Polish NRN also facilitates contacts with entities or individuals wishing to share their knowledge and experience with other members of the network. Currently, it has over 2 000 registered partners.

Key activities

The NRN objectives are based on its two-year action plan prepared by the National Network Unit in collaboration with the 16 regional secretariats and approved by the NRN Steering Committee.

Here is an overview of the main priorities assigned for 2012-2013:

1. strengthening the implementation of Local Action Groups activities, including motivating rural communities, building and implementing Local Development Strategies;
2. promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas and common forms of economic activity;
3. supporting the development of rural tourism, including agro-tourism, promotion of local traditional products and high quality food;
4. promoting sustainable development in rural areas;
5. supporting preservation and protection activities for rural traditions, cultural heritage and landscapes;
6. preparing for the Common Agriculture Policy after 2013.

This year the NRN has supported a range of activities aligned with the aforementioned main priorities including:

• The National Animal Breeding Exhibition in Poznań, the most important event for the animal breeding industry in Poland;
• A study visit for NRN representatives from all over Europe and their partners working in the field of tourism, linked to the International Fair of Agricultural and Rural Tourism AGROTRAVEL held in Kielce;
• An international conference on rural area development using the LEADER approach in Supraśl with LAG representatives from Finland, France and Hungary, organised by the NRN Regional Secretariat of Podlasie.

For more information:

Visit the Polish NRN’s website: www.ksow.gov.pl

For more information about all NRNs in Europe, click here.