Encouraging LEADER approach in the Western

Balkans and Turkey

"Future of LEADER approach post 2020" conference

Albena, 4-6 June 2018

Iwona Lisztwan

Directorate-General forAgriculture and Rural Development

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There is a need to improve

governance –wider EU priorities

Innovation and

knowledge are some key underlining factors for

development

There is a need to

empower the local

stakeholders

Why is LEADER relevant to the Western Balkans and Turkey?

There is a need to valorise territorial

potential, especially to create

employment and keep young people

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Leader in IPARD

• IPARD is implemented by the national institutions in the third countries entrusted to manage the EU budget

• Inherently there is emphasis on controllability and transparency of procedures

• LEADER is limited in approach and funding• Emphasis on quality of LAGs and their strategies, capacity building at each level

• Gradual step by step approach – LEADER is strategically important!

Stage 1:Measure: Technical Assistance

Dissemination of the conceptTraining

Creation of LAGsSupport to preparation of

strategies

Projects contracted by Managing Authority

Stage 2Measure: Implementation of

strategies by LEADER-like approach

Animation and further capacity building for selected LAGs

Running costsSmall projects by LAGs

Beneficiaries: LAGs

IPARD state of play

• Countries with IPARD running: Turkey*, FYROM*, Serbia and Montenegro – measures for investments on farms, food processing and – partly – diversification. Albania is still building its structures.

• Countries with Technical Assistance measure running: Turkey and – partly – FYROM

• Countries with LEADER measure: none (Croatia in the past)

• Turkey: advanced preparation for entrustment of LEADER measure and support already given under Technical Assistance

Measure No. Entrusted Calls Forthcoming Entrustment

Investments in Physical Assets of Agricultural Holdings 1 AL, ME, MK, RS, TR

ME (1), MK (1), RS (2), TR (2) -

Support for the Setting up of Producer Groups 2 - - -

Investments in Physical Assets Concerning Processingand Marketing of Agricultural and Fishery Products 3 AL, ME, MK, RS,

TR MK (1), RS (1),

TR (3) -

Agri-Environment-Climate and Organic Farming 4 TR - -

Implementation of Local Development Strategies –LEADER Approach 5 - - MK (?), TR

Investments in Rural Public Infrastructure 6 - - MK, TR

Farm Diversification and Business Development 7 AL, MK, TR MK (1), TR (2) ME, RS

Improvement of Training 8 - - -

Technical Assistance 9 MK, TR TR (cont.) AL, ME, RS

Advisory Services 10 - - MK (?) Establishment and Protection of Forests 11 - - -

LEADER in the Western Balkans and Turkey

Local action groups and awareness of LEADER is present in each country albeit capacities vary.• Details in the Publication:

PATHWAYS TO LEADERA guide to getting the LEADER approach up and running in the

Western Balkans, Turkey and beyondIncluding the use of the Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance to

Rural Development

Content:• How to build the local partnerships?• How to establishing solid and truly bottom-up strategies?• How to plan and conduct training and animation?• How to support to LEADER in IPARD?• What are the main contacts and state of play in each country?

https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/enlargement/assistance/documents_en

(link to the Publication to be presented during the seminar – paper copies available in the room)

Example of untapped potential : Gudul-Kamlidere LAGunder IPARD TA measure

Gudul is a district on the Silk Route –90 km from Ankara with high natural and architectural heritage but no tourism facilities at all and little known by Ankara population –high potential for development; Hava Yidrim from Gudul LAG: "LEADER is a long term vision, an investment to inspire entrepreneurship in rural areas.(..) The most important issue is to build a relationship of trust between different stakeholders. Human resource management and training are key issues. If we manage them correctly, we will thrive!'

Fair of LAGs at the launch of Turkish National Network(organised under IPARD Technical Assistance)

Upcoming potential flagship for IPARD:

• IPARD needs to reach smaller operators (farm) in viable way -cooperation of small operators in higher added value (inc. quality and local products) and short value chains;

• Pilot projects and then, investment support (incentives);

• The concept recently explored in Cluj seminar and now the Commission is preparing a Publication on this topic;

Potential scope for LEADER activities:- Animation to encourage cooperation of farmers, small food

entreprises, tourism, catering, local markets etc.;- Product development and specification (incl. traditional and quality

products)- Training, marketing strategies and events (eg. linking local food with

tourism or recreation).

Key points for now

• Preparation and training for rural communities, not just in LEADER but wider social capital in areas such as: strategic planning, participation, conflict solving, empowerment of women, leadership

• Voluntary activities in the villages – small investment but collective decisions

• Encouragement of local organisations and NGOs• Knowledge of local environmental, social and cultural assets/products• In depth training for LEADER animators• Development of National Rural Networks• Use of TAIEX and other sources• Making contacts to get expertise – both at central and local levels.

PREPARE, ELARG, SWG.• Entrustment of Technical Assistance measure under IPARD• Preparation for LEADER measure (when LAGs ready).