Some 300 ‘new’ Local Action Groups (LAGs) attended an ENRD event which provided training on the efficient implementation of Local Development Strategies, and best practice regarding transnational cooperation (TNC). The event entitled "LEADER as a driver for Rural Europe: workshop for new Local Action Groups", was held in Brussels, on 19-20 January, 2011. Members of the ENRD LEADER sub-committee were also represented at the event.

Brief Summary

Participants learned how the LEADER method has been implemented by LAGs in different Member States and were given a real insight into the value of cooperation and networking through interaction with other LAGs. On a practical level, the event also afforded LAGs to find potential partners, with similar interests or project ideas for TNC. In addition, participants experienced cooperation on-site, mentoring and assistance regarding different project phases, as well as project and partnership management.Speaking to the ENRD Contact Point after the event, the newly elected President of the European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD) Petri Rinne said: “I’m really happy that the ENRD organised this [event] for new LAGs because LEADER has been extending so quickly, particularly in new Member States. So, for many, this was the first time they got to feel part of this European LEADER family and realise that there are many others also living in rural areas in Europe, working towards the same goal”.Of course the lynchpin for the event was the promotion of the LEADER method. Speaking on LEADER, Commissioner Dacian Cioloş (see the video here) spoke optimistically about its place in future agricultural policy after 2013: "Local LEADER-type initiatives will remain at the heart of rural development policy. Our objective is not only to reinforce such initiatives, but also to expand upon them, as much as possible, in the organisation and structuring of local agriculture and the development of local products".

Final Programme : [PDF ]

Map of venue : [PDF ]

Guide to Speakers, moderators and rapporteurs [PDF ]

Plenary Session

Welcome Address: Opening video message by Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development (click here) [ PDF ]

Activities of the ENRD by Adrian Neal (ENRD Contact Point) [PDF ]

The ‘Bottom-Up Approach’ – a Driver for Rural Development: Key features of LEADER Approach and Lessons learnt from the Present and Past Programme Implementation -by Petri Rinne (President of ELARD) [PDF ]

LEADER in Europe Today: Facts, Figures and Current and Past Implementation Lessons - by Jean–Michel Courades (DG AGRI, Unit G3) [PDF ]

Parallel Workshop Sessions:

Workshop A: Implementing a Local Development Strategy: Quality Management & Sound Financial Management

Speakers:

• Gildas Roger (LAG Pays de Ploërmel) - Local Development Strategy (LDS) design; LAG Organisation, Competences and Skills [PDF ]
• Ian Dempsey (LAG from West Cork, IE) - Financial Procedures and Managing the Project Portfolio [PDF ]
• Julia Walk (LAG Auerbergland, DE) - Monitoring and Evaluation of the LDS Implementation [PDF ]

Moderators: Robert Lukesch (ENRD Contact Point) and Panagiotis Patras (Member of ELARD)

Workshop B: Dynamics of Implementation

Speakers:

• Tom Burston (NU LAG, UK) - Community Development and Participative Approach [PDF ]
• Günter Salchner (LAG Ausserfern, AT) - Innovation and Territorial Approach [PDF ]
• Kristiina Liimand (Tartu Rural Development Association, EE) - Integrated Approach [PDF ]

Moderators:

Hans-Olof Stålgren (ENRD Contact Point) and Gusztáv Nemes (LAG Balaton-Felvidék, HU )

Workshop C: Transnational Cooperation and Networking under LEADER - in practice

Speakers:

• Thomas Müller (LAG Sauwald, AT) [PDF ]
• José Ángel Garcia Lucas (LAG Adri Jiloca Gallocanta, ES) [ PDF]
• Sarah Watson (LAG Chalk and Cheese, and LAG Sowing Seeds, UK) [PDF ]

Moderators: Huub Kwantes (National Rural Network, NL) and Xavier Delmon (Walloon Rural Network, BE)

Workshop Feedback & Closing Session

Rapporteurs:

• Mark Redman (ENRD Contact Point) [PDF ]
• Dorothée Duguet (ENRD Contact Point) [PDF ]
• Dieter Wagner (ENRD Contact Point) [PDF ]

For more information, please contact:

Regarding participation: AGRI-ENRD-SEMINAR@ec.europa.eu
Other issues: network-events@enrd.eu