Latvian Rural Network

The Latvian Rural Network believes that supporting the rural youth and lively entrepreneurship is key for successful rural development. For a more effective implementation of the Annual Work Plan, they work with 26 regional representatives.

Contacts

Latvian Rural Network
Rīgas iela 34, Ozolnieki, Ozolnieku pagasts
Jelgavas novads LV3018
Latvia
Telephone number: 
+37 163050433
Email address: 
Contact persons: 
Edgars Linde
(General)
Zanda Dimanta-Svilpe
(LEADER/CLLD, Smart villages)
Liene Feldmane
(Rural development expert)
Aiva Saulīte-Liniņa
(Innovation, EIP Contact Point, AKIS)
Liene Valta
(Event support)

Links

NSU operation

Objectives

The Latvian Rural Development Programme set five main objectives
To increase the involvement of stakeholders in the implementation of rural development.
To improve the quality of the RDP implementation
To inform the broader public and potential beneficiaries on rural development policy and funding opportunities
To promote innovation in agriculture, food production, forestry and rural areas
To promote rural business start-up and economic efficiency

Membership

Who can join the network?
Latvian NRN is open to any natural or legal person who wishes to participate in rural development. There is no specific application/selection process for members. Members of the Latvian NRN do not run sub-projects with NRN funding .
Who the members are?
The NRN membership includes a wide range of organisations, administrations and individuals, among others representative organisations of the agricultural and forestry sector, local action groups, environmental organisations, rural non-governmental organisations, local governments, youth organisations and research institutes.

NSU & RDP management

The NSU and the Managing Authority
The Latvian Network Support Unit (NSU) is delegated to a ministerial agency.
At the beginning of each year the NSU signs a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture in order to facilitate implementation of the RDP measures. The agreement defines the Work Plan activities, objectives and performance indicators.
Once a quarter the NSU prepares and submits to the Ministry of Agriculture a report, outlining the activities already carried-out and associated expenses.
At the end of each year, a qualitative assessment is carried out for all activities and this is reported to the Ministry.

Regional representation

In Latvia, there is a national NSU and ‘regional antennae’. Since 2008, the Latvian Rural Network Support Unit is responsible for providing technical assistance to the NRN, and develops and coordinates the implementation of the NRN Action Programme and an Annual Work Plan.
For a more effective exchange of information and implementation of the Annual Work Plan in the regions, the Latvian NRN is working with regional representatives - rural development specialists in 26 regions.

Governance

The NSU has established an advisory institution, the Cooperation Council, which meets once a year, and has the following main tasks: 
1. To advise and provide information on issues related to the relevant sectors and areas
2. To inform industries and organisations represented in the NRN about events organised by the NSU
3. To make proposals for the development and implementation of the Annual Work Plan
The Cooperation Council consists of 14 national rural development and agricultural non-governmental organisations and institutions.

Financial resources

Budget (€)
Total NRN public funds: 20 420 311
Out of which national co-financing: 6 534 500
Out of which EAFRD: 13 885 811
 

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