Producers in Scotland saw the opportunity to link together their activities to encourage greater visitor numbers to rural destinations by creating a network of artisan chocolatiers.
Projects & Practice
The Think Local development programme focuses on developing collaboration in short supply chain, by bringing together existing initiatives on farmers’ markets, farm retail, food tourism, regional food and drink networks and in developing added value for rural producers.
The model of the Rural Parliament is one which has grown across Europe. Scotland has adopted the model, following the example of others such as Sweden, Finland and Estonia.

A leading manufacturer of conserves and jams used RDP support to increase its winter water storage capacity for use during the summer dry months.

Expanding a viticulture business to meet market demand by investing in modern and efficient equipment.

The Cywain Agriculture Project is an agri-food support scheme to develop innovative ideas in adding value to Welsh produce.

Agritourism Monitor Farms are rural businesses opened up to wider community groups, other rural businesses and related professionals for site tours, working groups and open discussions.

Welsh rural development competition inspires innovation among young sheep farmers.

EAFRD support helped a traditional dairy producer in Scotland to differentiate his production from milk into an organic certified mozzarella type of cheese.