national rural development programme for the 2014 2020 period · 1 national rural development...

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National Rural Development Programme for the

2014 – 2020 period

Official version 1 – 1st of July, 2014

Official version 1 SFC – 1stof July, 2014

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Table of contents

1.TITLE OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ................................................................. 11

2.MEMBER STATE OR ADMINISTRATIVE REGION .......................................................................... 11

2.1.Geographical area covered by the programme ...................................................................................... 11

2.2.Classification of the region .................................................................................................................... 11

3.EX-ANTE EVALUATION ...................................................................................................................... 13

3.1.Description of the process, including timing of main events, intermediate reports, in relation to

the key stages of RDP development. ................................................................................................. 13

3.2.Structured table containing the recommendations of the ex-ante evaluation and how they have

been addressed. .................................................................................................................................. 13

3.2.1.001. Common indicators ..................................................................................................................... 20









3.2.10.010. Common indicators ................................................................................................................... 23










3.2.20.020. Additional indicators ................................................................................................................. 26




3.2.24.024. Evidences supporting SWOT analysis ...................................................................................... 28

3.2.25.025. Formulation of the elements included in the SWOT analysis .................................................. 28





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3.2.32.032. SWOT analysis in the perspective of SEA ............................................................................... 32




3.2.36.036. Connection with the SWOT analysis ........................................................................................ 34

3.2.37.037. Correct formulation of the needs .............................................................................................. 34

3.2.38.038. Strategy ..................................................................................................................................... 35

3.2.39.039. Strategy ..................................................................................................................................... 35

3.2.40.040. Strategy ..................................................................................................................................... 35

3.2.41.041. Strategy ..................................................................................................................................... 36

3.2.42.042. Measures ................................................................................................................................... 36

3.2.43.043. Measures ................................................................................................................................... 36

3.2.44.044. Measures ................................................................................................................................... 37

3.2.45.045. Analysis and assessment on the integration degree of the equal opportunities and non-

discrimination principle in the RDP ............................................................................................. 37

3.2.46.046. Analysis and assessment on the integration degree of the sustainable development

principle in the RDP ...................................................................................................................... 37

3.2.47.047. Analysis on the adequacy degree of the approach for the Community-led Local

Development ................................................................................................................................. 38


Development ................................................................................................................................. 38


Development ................................................................................................................................. 39


Development ................................................................................................................................. 39


Development ................................................................................................................................. 39


Development ................................................................................................................................. 40

3.2.53.053. Analysis on the contribution of the Rural Network to the implementation of rural policy

and good governance in rural areas ............................................................................................... 40

3.2.54.054. Indicator Plan ............................................................................................................................ 41

3.2.55.055. Indicator Plan ............................................................................................................................ 41

3.2.56.056. Indicator Plan ............................................................................................................................ 41

3.2.57.057. Indicator Plan ............................................................................................................................ 41

3.2.58.058. Indicator Plan ............................................................................................................................ 42

3.2.59.059. Analysis on the Evaluation Plan ............................................................................................... 42

3.2.60.060. Analysis on the Evaluation Plan ............................................................................................... 43

3.2.61.061. Human Resources ..................................................................................................................... 43

3.2.62.062. Human Resources ..................................................................................................................... 44

3.2.63.063. Human Resources ..................................................................................................................... 44

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3.2.64.064. Human Resources ..................................................................................................................... 44

3.2.65.065. Human Resources ..................................................................................................................... 45

3.2.66.066. Analysis on the adequacy degree of thematic sub-programmes ............................................... 46

3.2.67.067. Analysis on the adequacy degree of thematic sub-programmes ............................................... 46

3.2.68.068. Strategy ..................................................................................................................................... 46

3.2.69.069. Preliminary final report ............................................................................................................. 47

3.2.70.070. Measure 4 .................................................................................................................................. 48

3.2.71.071. Measure 6 .................................................................................................................................. 48

3.2.72.072. Measure 7 .................................................................................................................................. 49

3.2.73.073. Measure 8 .................................................................................................................................. 49

3.2.74.074. Measure 16 ................................................................................................................................ 49

3.2.75.075. Measure Leader ......................................................................................................................... 50

3.3.Ex-ante Evaluation report ...................................................................................................................... 50

4.SWOT AND IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS......................................................................................... 51

4.1.SWOT .................................................................................................................................................... 51

4.1.1.Comprehensive overall description of the current situation of the programming area, based on

common and programme-specific context indicators and other qualitative up-to-date

information ..................................................................................................................................... 51

4.1.2.Strengths identified in the programming area ..................................................................................... 66

4.1.3.Weaknesses identified in the programming area ................................................................................ 67

4.1.4.Opportunities identified in the programming area .............................................................................. 69

4.1.5.Threats identified in the programming area ........................................................................................ 70

4.1.6.Common Context Indicators ............................................................................................................... 72

4.2.Needs assessment ................................................................................................................................... 82

4.2.1.001. Adequate knowledge among farmers .......................................................................................... 84

4.2.2.002. Adequate and quality advisory and consultancy services ........................................................... 85

4.2.3.003. Adapting the research activities and the results of research to the needs of farmers and

processors ....................................................................................................................................... 85

4.2.4.004. Adequate level of capital and technology for modern agricultural activities ............................. 86

4.2.5.005. Modernizing the agri-food processing sector and its adaptation to EU standards ...................... 87

4.2.6.006. Rejuvenation of farmers generations .......................................................................................... 88

4.2.7.007. Restructuring and modernization of small farms into market-oriented farms ............................ 88

4.2.8.008. Setting up producers groups and organizations ......................................................................... 89

4.2.9.009. Functional short supply chains.................................................................................................... 90

4.2.10.010. Risk management in agriculture and forestry ........................................................................... 90

4.2.11.011. Easy access to adequate financial instruments for farmers, processors and small

entrepreneurs from rural areas ....................................................................................................... 91

4.2.12.012. Maintaining the biological diversity and environmental value of agricultural and forestry

lands ............................................................................................................................................... 92

4.2.13.013. Supporting a sustainable forest management ............................................................................ 93

4.2.14.014. Increasing the afforested areas .................................................................................................. 93

4.2.15.015. Maintaining and improving water resources............................................................................. 94

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4.2.16.016. Protecting and improving soil resources ................................................................................... 94

4.2.17.017. Adaptation to the effects of climate changes ............................................................................ 95

4.2.18.018. Low level of greenhouse gase (GHG) emissions from agriculture and the transition

towards a low carbon economy...................................................................................................... 96

4.2.19.019. Reduction of the level of poverty and the risk of social exclusion ........................................... 96

4.2.20.020. Adequate basic infrastructure and services in rural areas ......................................................... 97

4.2.21.021. Increasing the number of jobs in rural areas ............................................................................. 98

4.2.22.022. Preserved local patrimony......................................................................................................... 98

4.2.23.023. Local development through LEADER approach ...................................................................... 99

4.2.24.024. Functional National Rural Development Network ................................................................... 99

4.2.25.025. Access to modern ICT infrastructure ...................................................................................... 101

4.2.26.026. Modernizing the agricultural education infrastructure ........................................................... 101

5.DESCRIPTION OF THE STRATEGY .................................................................................................. 103

5.1.A justification of the needs selected to be addressed by the RDP, and the choice of objectives,

priorities, focus areas and the target setting based on evidence from the SWOT and the needs

assessment. Where relevant, a justification of thematic sub-programmes included in the

programme. The justification shall in particular demonstrate the requirements referred to in

Article 8(1)(c)(i) and (iv) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 ......................................................... 103

5.2.The combination and justification of the rural development measures for each focus area

including the justification of the financial allocations to the measures and the adequacy of the

financial resources with the targets set as referred to in Article 8(1)(c)(ii) and (iii). The

combination of measures included in the intervention logic shall be based on the evidence

from the SWOT analysis and justification and prioritisation of needs under point 5.1 ................... 110

5.2.1.P1: Fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas ............... 110

5.2.2.P2: Enhancing farm viability and competitiveness of all types of agriculture in all regions and

promoting innovative farm technologies and the sustainable management of forests ................ 112

5.2.3.P3: Promoting food chain organisation, including processing and marketing of agricultural

products, animal welfare and risk management in agriculture .................................................... 114

5.2.4.P4: Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry ................ 115

5.2.5.P5: Promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low carbon and climate

resilient economy in agriculture, food and forestry sectors ......................................................... 118

5.2.6.P6: Promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas ........ 121

5.3.A description of how the cross-cutting objectives will be addressed, including the specific

requirements in Article 8(1)(c)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 ............................................ 124

5.4.Strategy summary table........................................................................................................................ 128

5.5.A description of the advisory capacity to ensure adequate advice and support for the regulatory

requirements and for actions related to innovation to demonstrate the measures taken as

required in Article 8(1)(c)(vi) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 .................................................. 130

6.ASSESSMENT OF THE EX-ANTE CONDITIONALITIES ............................................................... 132

6.1.Additional information......................................................................................................................... 132

6.2.Ex-ante conditionalities ....................................................................................................................... 133

6.2.1.List of actions to be taken for general ex-ante conditionalities ........................................................ 146

6.2.2.List of actions to be taken for priority linked ex-ante conditionalities ............................................. 147

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7.DESCRIPTION OF THE PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK .............................................................. 148

7.1.Indicators.............................................................................................................................................. 148









7.2.Alternative indicators ........................................................................................................................... 157







7.3.Reserve ................................................................................................................................................. 162

8.DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THE MEASURES SELECTED .......................................................... 163

8.1.Description of the general conditions applied to more than one measure including, when

relevant, definition of rural area, baselines, cross-compliance, intended use of financial

instruments, intended use of advances, common provisions for investments, etc. .......................... 163

8.2.Description by measure........................................................................................................................ 168

8.2.1.M01 - Knowledge transfer and information actions (art 14) ............................................................ 168

8.2.2.M02 - Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services (art 15) ................................ 181

8.2.3.M04 - Investments in physical assets (art 17) ................................................................................... 188

8.2.4.M06 - Farm and business development (art 19) ............................................................................... 228

8.2.5.M07 - Basic services and village renewal in rural areas (art 20) ...................................................... 258

8.2.6.M08 - Investments in forest area development and improvement of the viability of forests (art

21-26) ........................................................................................................................................... 274

8.2.7.M09 - Setting-up of producer groups and organisations (art 27) ...................................................... 294

8.2.8.M10 - Agri-environment-climate (art 28) ......................................................................................... 301

8.2.9.M11 - Organic farming (art 29) ........................................................................................................ 356

8.2.10.M13 - Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints (art 31) ............................... 375

8.2.11.M14 - Animal Welfare (art 33) ....................................................................................................... 401

8.2.12.M15 - Forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation (art 34) ....................... 403

8.2.13.M16 - Co-operation (art 35) ............................................................................................................ 420

8.2.14.M17 - Risk management (art 36-39) ............................................................................................... 444

8.2.15.M19 - Support for LEADER local development (CLLD – community-led local development)

(art 35 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013) ...................................................................................... 457

9.EVALUATION PLAN ........................................................................................................................... 492

9.1.Objectives and purpose ........................................................................................................................ 492

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9.2.Governance and coordination .............................................................................................................. 492

9.3.Evaluation topics and activities ........................................................................................................... 496

9.4.Data and information ........................................................................................................................... 498

9.5.Timeline ............................................................................................................................................... 499

9.6.Communication .................................................................................................................................... 501

9.7.Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 502

10.FINANCING PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 504

10.1.Annual EAFRD contributions in (€) .................................................................................................. 504

10.2.Single EAFRD contribution rate for all measures broken down by type of region as referred to

in Article 59(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 ......................................................................... 505

10.3.Breakdown by measure and type of operation with different EAFRD contribution rate (in € total

period 2014-2020) ............................................................................................................................ 506

10.3.1.M01 - Knowledge transfer and information actions (art 14) .......................................................... 506

10.3.2.M02 - Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services (art 15) .............................. 508

10.3.3.M04 - Investments in physical assets (art 17) ................................................................................. 509

10.3.4.M06 - Farm and business development (art 19) ............................................................................. 510

10.3.5.M07 - Basic services and village renewal in rural areas (art 20) .................................................... 511

10.3.6.M08 - Investments in forest area development and improvement of the viability of forests (art

21-26) ........................................................................................................................................... 512

10.3.7.M09 - Setting-up of producer groups and organisations (art 27) .................................................... 513

10.3.8.M10 - Agri-environment-climate (art 28) ....................................................................................... 514

10.3.9.M11 - Organic farming (art 29) ...................................................................................................... 515

10.3.10.M13 - Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints (art 31) ............................. 516

10.3.11.M14 - Animal Welfare (art 33) ..................................................................................................... 517

10.3.12.M15 - Forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation (art 34) ..................... 518

10.3.13.M16 - Co-operation (art 35) .......................................................................................................... 519

10.3.14.M17 - Risk management (art 36-39) ............................................................................................. 520

10.3.15.M19 - Support for LEADER local development (CLLD – community-led local

development) (art 35 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013) ............................................................... 521

10.3.16.M20 - Technical assistance Member States (art 51-54) ................................................................ 522

11.INDICATOR PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 523

11.1.Indicator Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 523

11.1.1.P1: Fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas ............. 523





11.1.4.P4: Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry .............. 530



11.1.6.P6: Promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas ...... 540

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11.2.Overview of the planned output and planned expenditure by measure and by focus area

(generated automatically) ................................................................................................................. 544

11.3.Secondary effects: identification of potential contributions of Rural Development

measures/sub-measures programmed under a given focus area to other focus areas / targets ........ 547

12.ADDITIONAL NATIONAL FINANCING ......................................................................................... 549

13.ELEMENTS NEEDED FOR STATE AID ASSESMENT .................................................................. 550

13.1.M01 - Knowledge transfer and information actions (art 14) ............................................................. 552

13.2.M02 - Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services (art 15) ................................. 552

13.3.M04 - Investments in physical assets (art 17) .................................................................................... 552

13.4.M06 - Farm and business development (art 19) ................................................................................ 553

13.5.M07 - Basic services and village renewal in rural areas (art 20) ....................................................... 553

13.6.M08 - Investments in forest area development and improvement of the viability of forests (art

21-26) ............................................................................................................................................... 553

13.7.M09 - Setting-up of producer groups and organisations (art 27) ....................................................... 554

13.8.M10 - Agri-environment-climate (art 28) .......................................................................................... 554

13.9.M11 - Organic farming (art 29) ......................................................................................................... 554

13.10.M13 - Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints (art 31) ................................ 555

13.11.M14 - Animal Welfare (art 33) ........................................................................................................ 555

13.12.M15 - Forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation (art 34) ........................ 555

13.13.M16 - Co-operation (art 35) ............................................................................................................. 556

13.14.M17 - Risk management (art 36-39) ................................................................................................ 556

13.15.M19 - Support for LEADER local development (CLLD – community-led local development)

(art 35 Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013) .......................................................................................... 556

14.INFORMATION ON COMPLEMENTARITY ................................................................................... 558

14.1.Description of means for the complementarity and coherence with: ................................................ 558

14.1.1.Other Union instruments and, in particular with ESI Funds and Pillar 1, including greening,

and other instruments of the common agricultural policy ........................................................... 558

14.1.2.Where a Member State has opted to submit a national programme and a set of regional

programmes as referred to in Article 6(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, information on

complementarity between them ................................................................................................... 563

14.2.Where relevant, information on the complementarity with other Union instruments, including

LIFE ................................................................................................................................................. 563

15.PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTING ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................... 565

15.1.The designation by the Member State of all authorities referred to in Regulation (EU) No

1305/2013 Article 65(2) and a summary description of the management and control structure

of the programme requested under Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 Article 55(3)(i) and

arrangements under Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 Article 74(3) ................................................. 565

15.1.1.Authorities....................................................................................................................................... 565

15.1.2.Summary description of the management and control structure of the programme and

arrangements for the independent examination of complaints .................................................... 565

15.2.The envisaged composition of the Monitoring Committee ............................................................... 568

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15.3.Provisions to ensure that the programme is publicised, including through the National Rural

Network, making reference to the information and publicity strategy, which describes the

information and publicity arrangements for the programme in more detail, referred to in

Article 13 of this Regulation ............................................................................................................ 570

15.4.Description of mechanisms to ensure coherence with regard to local development strategies

implemented under LEADER, activities envisaged under the co-operation measure referred to

in Article 35 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, the basic services and village renewal in rural

areas measure referred to in Article 20 of that Regulation, and other ESI Funds ........................... 574

15.5.Description of actions to achieve a reduction of administrative burden for beneficiaries referred

to in Article 27(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 ..................................................................... 576

15.6.Description of the use of technical assistance including actions related to the preparation,

management, monitoring, evaluation, information and control of the programme and its

implementation, as well as the activities concerning previous or subsequent programming

periods as referred to in Article 59(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 ...................................... 578

16.LIST OF ACTIONS TO INVOLVE PARTNERS ............................................................................... 583

16.1.a. Technical level – Setting-up of the Consultative Thematic Committee for Rural

Development, Agriculture and Fisheries CCT DRAP ..................................................................... 583

16.1.1.Subject of the corresponding consultation ...................................................................................... 583

16.1.2.Summary of the results ................................................................................................................... 583

16.2.b. Setting-up of Working Groups at technical level .......................................................................... 584



16.3.c. Non-technical level: National conferences – 2 meetings/ Regional conferences – 7 meetings ..... 585



16.4.d. Information and consultation of beneficiaries – Call Center: contacting of 35,137

beneficiaries of NRDP 2007-2013 and of potential beneficiaries of NRDP 2014-2020 ................. 585



16.5.e. MADR website: http://www.madr.ro/ro/programare-2014-2020-pndr.html, containing the

section dedicated to rural development for the period 2014-2020; www.pndr2020.ro platform;

Email address: [email protected] ............................................................................................. 586



16.6.(Optional) explanations or additional information to complement the list of actions ....................... 586

17.NATIONAL RURAL NETWORK ...................................................................................................... 590

17.1.1.The procedure and the timetable for establishing the National Rural Network (hereinafter

NRN) ............................................................................................................................................ 590

17.1.2.The planned organisation of the network, namely the way organisations and administrations

involved in rural development, including the partners, as referred to in Article 54(1) of

Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 will be involved and how the networking activities will be

facilitated...................................................................................................................................... 591

17.1.3.A summary description of the main categories of activity to be undertaken by the NRN in

accordance with the objectives of the programme ....................................................................... 592

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17.1.4.Resources available for establishing and operating the NRN ......................................................... 594

18.EX-ANTE ASSESSMENT OF VERIFIABILITY, CONTROLLABILITY AND ERROR RISK ..... 595

18.1.Statement by the Managing Authority and the Paying Agency on the verifiability and

controllability of the measures supported under the Rural Development Programme .................... 595

18.2.Statement by the functionally independent body referred to in Article 62(2) of Regulation (EU)

No 1305/2013 confirming the adequacy and accuracy of the calculations of standard costs,

additional costs and income forgone ................................................................................................ 596

19.TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ............................................................................................... 597

19.1.Description of the transitional conditions by measure ....................................................................... 597

19.2.Indicative carry-over table ................................................................................................................. 600

20.THEMATIC SUB-PROGRAMMES .................................................................................................... 602

21.DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 602

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1. TITLE OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

National Rural Development Programme for the 2014 – 2020 period

2. MEMBER STATE OR ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

2.1. Geographical area covered by the programme

Geographical Area:

RO - National

Description:

The National Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 covers the entire territory of Romania. Romania is

situated in the South-Eastern part of Europe, at the crossroad of the main axes of communications North-

South and East-West.

The area is of 238,391 km2 and comprises: 61.3% agricultural land (cca. 14,6 mil. ha, of which 64.2%

arable land, 32.9 % meadows and natural grasslands and 2.7% plantations of trees and vineyard); 28.3%

forests and other forestry vegetation lands; 10.4% the built area of the localities, waters, roads, railways and

unproductive lands (INS Tempo Online, 2012).

From the point of view of its area, Romania is an average country in EU 27 (5.41% of the area EU27). The

territory of Romania includes 5 bio-geographical regions (steppe, Black Sea, Pannonia, continental and

alpine) of the 11 European bio-geographical regions.

Out of the total area of the country, around 87.1% is the rural area that comprises communes, as

administrative-territorial units, together with its component villages, and on this territory 45.0% of the

Romanian population lived in 2012.

The allocation per geographical area is balanced: 33% plain area (up to 300 m altitude), 37% hill area (300-

1000 m) and 30% moutain area (over 1000 m altitude).

2.2. Classification of the region

Description:

According to the Nomenclature for Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) the territorial structure of

Romania, assimilated to NUTS, is:

NUTS I: România;

NUTS II: 8 development regions, with an average population of 2,67 mil. inhabitants per region;

NUTS III: 42 counties, showing the administrative-territorial structure of the country;

NUTS IV: is not used[1], because no territorial associations were made yet;

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NUTS V: 320 municipalities and cities, 2,861 communes with 12,957 villages (Statistical yearbook, 2012).

According to the Article 59 in the Regulation on the support for rural development by EAFRD no

1305/2013 seven of the eight regions of Romania are less developed, and the gross domestic product

(GDP) per capita under 75% in the average GDP of EU27, the exception is the region of Bucharest-Ilfov

that registered a GDP per capita of 113% against the average EU27.

[1] In România, the NUTS 4 level - the level of microregions - has not been yet organized. In general, the

microregions are made up occasionally, based on the voluntary partnership of some communal

administrations, within programmes or projects.

[2] According to Annex I „Coverage of the regional aids by the Member States for the period 2014-2020 at

the „Community orientations on the regional State Aid for the period 2014-2020” adopted by the European

Commission (EC) on 28.06.2013, GDP per capita expressed in Euro PPC/inhabitant was in the region

North-West - 42,33%, Centre 45,00%, North-East – 29,33%, South-East – 37,67%, South-Muntenia

39,33%, South-West Oltenia – 35,67%, West – 52,00%, while in Bucharest-Ilfov it was 113,00% - reported

in percentage to the average EU27.

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3. EX-ANTE EVALUATION

3.1. Description of the process, including timing of main events, intermediate reports, in relation to the key stages of RDP development.

According to the provisions in Art. 55 in Regulation 1303/2013, the Member States perform ex ante

evaluations in order to enhance the quality of the preparation of each programme. The ex ante evaluations

are under the responsibility of the authority responsible for the preparation of the programmes.

Under these circumstances, the Managing Authority for PNDR launched - by the Technical Assistance

measure in PNDR 2007-2013 - the public tender for awarding the contract: ”The ex ante evaluation of the

rural development programme for the period 2014-2020”, after which the contract was awarded to the

association formed by S.C ACZ CONSULTING SRL – leader of association, together with Iris S.R.L. and

T33 S.R.L.

The contract was signed on December 13th 2013, and the kick-off meeting of the project took place on

January 13th 2014.

The general objective of this evaluation is for experts independent from experts involved in the

programming to provide real added value and to enhance the quality of the National Rural Development

Programme 2014 and to make value judgments and recommendations on programming issues The ex ante

evaluation of PNDR 2014-2020 includes also a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), prepared

according to the requirements in the European Directive SEA 2001/42/EC on the evaluation of the effects of

certain plans and programmes on the environment and in the Governmental Decision no 1076/2004 that

reflects the provisions of the directive above mentioned.

The analysis of the evaluator covers all the chapters of the programme and ends with conclusions and

recommendations for the Managing Authority in order to enhance and to ensure the coherence of the

Programme.

The ex ante evaluator has submitted the inception report and intermediary reports. On 1st of July 2014, the

ex ante evaluator has submitted a preliminary ex ante evaluation report that contains also the preliminary

version of the Report on the Strategic Environmental Assessment, which is attached as an annex to the

National Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 sent to the European Commissions services in July

2014.

The final version of the ex ante evaluation will be finalized until the adoption of the Programmes.

3.2. Structured table containing the recommendations of the ex-ante evaluation and how they have been addressed.

Title (or reference) of the recommendation Category of recommendation Date

001. Common indicators The SWOT analysis, needs

assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014

14


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014

014. Common indicators The SWOT analysis, needs 07/03/2014

15

assessment


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014

020. Additional indicators The SWOT analysis, needs

assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014

024. Evidences supporting SWOT analysis The SWOT analysis, needs

assessment

07/03/2014

025. Formulation of the elements included in the SWOT

analysis

The SWOT analysis, needs

assessment

07/03/2014

16


analysis


assessment

07/03/2014


analysis


assessment

07/03/2014


analysis


assessment

07/03/2014


analysis


assessment

07/03/2014


analysis


assessment

07/03/2014


analysis


assessment

07/03/2014

032. SWOT analysis in the perspective of SEA The SWOT analysis, needs

assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014


assessment

07/03/2014

036. Connection with the SWOT analysis The SWOT analysis, needs

assessment

07/03/2014

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037. Correct formulation of the needs The SWOT analysis, needs

assessment

07/03/2014

038. Strategy Construction of the intervention

logic

10/04/2014


logic

10/04/2014


logic

10/04/2014


logic

10/04/2014

042. Measures Construction of the intervention

logic

06/06/2014


logic

06/06/2014


logic

06/06/2014

045. Analysis and assessment on the integration degree of

the equal opportunities and non-discrimination principle in

the RDP

Construction of the intervention

logic

06/06/2014

046. Analysis and assessment on the integration degree of

the sustainable development principle in the RDP


logic

06/06/2014

047. Analysis on the adequacy degree of the approach for

the Community-led Local Development


logic

06/06/2014

048. Analysis on the adequacy degree of the approach for Construction of the intervention 06/06/2014

18

the Community-led Local Development logic




logic

06/06/2014




logic

06/06/2014




logic

06/06/2014




logic

06/06/2014

053. Analysis on the contribution of the Rural Network to

the implementation of rural policy and good governance in

rural areas


logic

06/06/2014

054. Indicator Plan Establishment of targets,

distribution of financial

allocations

06/06/2014



allocations

06/06/2014



allocations

06/06/2014



allocations

28/06/2014



allocations

28/06/2014

19

059. Analysis on the Evaluation Plan Programme implementing

arrangements

06/06/2014

060. Analysis on the Evaluation Plan Programme implementing

arrangements

06/06/2014

061. Human Resources Programme implementing

arrangements

29/06/2014


arrangements

29/06/2014


arrangements

29/06/2014


arrangements

29/06/2014


arrangements

29/06/2014

066. Analysis on the adequacy degree of thematic sub-

programmes

Other

06/06/2014

067. Analysis on the adequacy degree of thematic sub-

programmes

Other

01/07/2014


logic

19/06/2014

069. Preliminary final report Construction of the intervention

logic

01/07/2014

070. Measure 4 SEA specific recommendations 01/07/2014

20

071. Measure 6 SEA specific recommendations

01/07/2014


01/07/2014


01/07/2014


01/07/2014

075. Measure Leader SEA specific recommendations

01/07/2014

3.2.1. 001. Common indicators

Category of recommendation: The SWOT analysis, needs assessment

Date: 07/03/2014

Topic: Verification of the context indicators

Description of the recommendation

Sectorial indicators

The indicator Age structure needs additional explanation.

How recommendation has been addressed or justification as to why not taken into account

Recommendation was accepted: the proposed value for the report between young/old managers and the

value for the total Number of farm managers was accepted

The indicator should include also: the number of managers under 35 years and those between 35 and 55

years. This recommendationwas partly accepted, this element was accepted only as a percentage figure.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Employment rate of the population per economic activity shows different values in our

21

analysis.


The recommendation was not accepted. The value of this indicator is generated automatically.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator Agriculture area under organic farming shows different values in our analysis.


Recommendation was accepted. The indicator value was changed.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Gross fixed capital formation in agricultureshows different values in our analysis.


Recommendation was accepted. The indicator value was changed.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Forest and other wooded land (FOWL) shows different values in our analysis.


Recommendation was partly accepted. It was included the value from 2012 provided by NIS, namely,

6746906 ha (28.3% of the national land area – 23839071 ha)



22

Date: 07/03/2014



For the indicator: Forest and other wooded land (FOWL) no. of ha we have more recent values, from 2012.


Recommendation was accepted.



Date: 07/03/2014



Socio-economic indicators

The indicators: Population, Territory and GDP/per capita must be reformulated by making them specific

for the rural area.


Recommendation was partly accepted.

For the indicators: Population and Territory relevant for the rural area will be inserted in the SFC the values

of the respective additional indicators according to the definition of the rural area for Romania, due to the

fact that these values have implications in the establishment of the target indicators (rural population). The

indicator: GDP/per capita – rural is not collected. Moreover, in the 4.17 section of NRDP are provided the

additional indicators relevant for population and territory reported to the rural area in compliance with the

national legislation.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Population shows different values in our analysis.


Recommendation was not accepted. It was used the value from DG AGRI database which is automatically

generated by the SFC for the indicator: Population at the national level.

23



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Age structure shows different values in our analysis.


Recommendation was not accepted. The value of the indicator was changed according to the value from DG

AGRI database, which is automatically generated by the system.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Self employment rate – rural shows different values in our analysis.


Recommendation was not accepted. This indicator is not collected by NIS. It was used the value of a proxy

indicator that represents the total values of the proxy indicators: Self employed worker – 31,5% and Unpaid

family worker – 26,4%, according to the definition of the rural area applicable for Romanian RDP.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Unemployment rate shows different values in our analysis.


Recommendation was not accepted. The value of the indicator was changed according to the value from DG

AGRI database, which is automatically generated by the system. In the 4.1.7 section of the NRDP is

provided the additional indicator relevant for the unemployment rate reported to the rural area according to

the national legislation.



24

Date: 07/03/2014



For the indicators: Population, Age structure and Unemployment rate we have more recent values – 2013.


Recommendation was not accepted. The value of the indicators was changed according to the value from

DG AGRI database, which is automatically generated by the system. In the 4.1.7 section of the NRDP are

provided the additional indicators relevant for Population, Age structure and Unemployment rate reported to

the rural area according to the national legislation.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicators: Population structure employed per sectors – national and the Economy structure contain

incorrect sources.


Recommendation was not accepted. For the indicator: Economy structure – at the national level was used

the value from DG AGRI database, which is automatically generated by the SFC, and for the indicator at the

rural level we do not collect data, according to the definition of the rural area specific for the Romanian

RDP. Regarding the indicator: Population structure employed per sectors – at the national level was used

the value provided by NIS, value that was used also in the socio-economic analysis for a better coherence.

In the 4.1.7 section of the NRDP was provided the additional indicator relevant for the population structure

reported to the rural area in compliance with the national legislation.



Date: 07/03/2014



Environment indicators

The indicators: Extensive agriculture area, Natura 2000, Soil organic matter in arable land, Soil erosion

and GHG emissions from agriculture need a better formulation.


Recommendation was accepted, with the exception for the indicator: Soil organic matter in arable land, for

which was used a proxy indicator (Soil organic matter – source JRC)

25



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Production of renewable Energy from agriculture and forestryneeds more details.


Recommendation was accepted. It was inserted Production of energy by valorification of the forests and the

indicator was updated at the level of the year 2011.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicator: Soil organic matter in arable land needs to be replaced with a proxy one.


Recommendation was accepted. It was inserted the proxy indicator: Soil organic matter – source JRC.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicators Land cover, Extensive agriculture area used for livestock, Protected forests, Water quality,

Energy use in food industry show different values (data with different values are available in other sources).


Recommendation was accepted for the first indicator (Land cover). We kept the data provided by DG

AGRI.

Recommendation was accepted for the indicator Extensive agriculture area used for livestock. We used the

value provided by DG AGRI but as a proportion (38.9%).

Recommendation was accepted for the indicator: Protected forests. We used the value provided by DG

AGRI at the level of the year 2005. For this indicator there are no recent data and due to this reason it was

26

also used a proxy indicator.

Recommendation was accepted regarding the indicator: Water quality.

Recommendation was not accepted for the indicator: Energy use in food industry. The value of this indicator

is in compliance with the data provided by the study undertaken for MARD by the National Centre for

Preparation in Statistics (NCPS) in 2013, data from NIS database.



Date: 07/03/2014



For the indicator Land cover we have more recent data.


Recommendation was partly accepted. From the data provided by DG AGRI, the categories of land cover do

not correspond with the ones available provided by NIS. Due to this fact, for this indicator was used the data

from DG AGRI database since 2006, the last available data. Moreover, in order to show the evolution of

different categories of land cover we used specific data provided by NIS through a proxy indicator (The

dynamic structure of the land cover).



Date: 07/03/2014



The sources for the indicators: Land cover, Protected forest and Farming intensivityshould be re-checked.


The sources were re-checked according to the observations mentioned above.

3.2.20. 020. Additional indicators


Date: 07/03/2014



The indicators: School drop out rate, Education institutions with an agriculture profile and the net

migrationare not strictly connected with the rural dimension.

27


Recommendation was accepted for the first 2 indicators, and the third indicator was removed due to

consistency reasons.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicators: Diffusion of the internet and Road infrastructure are not clearly defined.


The first indicator was removed.

Recommendation was accepted for the second indicator. The typology of the road was detailed.



Date: 07/03/2014



For the indicator: Number of farms according to the field activity (vegetable, livestock, mixed)the title is not

correlated with the value foreseen for the percentage.


Recommendation was accepted.



Date: 07/03/2014



The indicators: Application of fertilizers on soil and the Proportion of the agriculture areas that contributes

to the net emissions must be arranged under one indicator with sub-indicators in order to support clearly the

elements of the SWOT analysis.


Recommendation was accepted. The indicator was defined by the DG AGRI document (Sources

28

contributing to the annual cumulated emissions of CH4 and N2O from agriculture).

3.2.24. 024. Evidences supporting SWOT analysis


Date: 07/03/2014

Topic: SWOT analysis consistency


Each element of the SWOT analysis has to be based on a common or additional indicator or to be supported

by a justification provided by the socio-economic analysis. The analysis identified the following

possibilities:

a. The elements may be redundant, too general and hard to be proven and therefore they may be

removed. This is the case for example for: Increase the competition of the products with high added

value from other markets and of the pressure exerted on the sale retail sector.

b. The elements may be justified with an adequate justification that may be included in the socio-

economic analysis. This is the case for example for: The limited success of the stimulation policy of

cooperation between farmers, reflected in a low degree of associations with implications for the

viability of farms.

c. The elements are important and relevant and the identification of some quantitative data is

essential. This is the case for example for: the Low record in the land cover registry of the agriculture

lands.


a. Recommendation was accepted. The element was removed.

b. Recommendation was not accepted. For this element there are supporting data related to

organizations and producer groups in the General description and also the additional indicator no. 29

– No. of organizations (handicraft, consumption, credit). The element from SWOT related to

association was reformulated.

c. Recommendation was not accepted.

3.2.25. 025. Formulation of the elements included in the SWOT analysis


Date: 07/03/2014



The second dimension of the SWOT analysis is less represented. There are not many elements related to the

future/external perspective, although they are crucial.

Some elements are ambiguous. They could be understood as a trend or as the desired result, for example:

29

Increase of the added value by diversificationof quality wood products offer.

Some elements are actions to be taken, for example: The establishment of new SMEs with activities that are

non-agricultural, cultural, creative and for cooperation in rural areas, in order to generate new jobs.


Recommandations were partly accepted. The “opportunities” were analysed and rephrased according to

what was recommended by the ex ante evaluator.

For example: The establishment of new SMEs with activities that are non-agricultural, cultural, creative

and for cooperation in rural areas, in order to generate new jobswas rephrased with: Availability of a

developing market that could be capitalized, at domestic and international level.



Date: 07/03/2014



The SWOT analysis should be filled in with the following additional information:

(Strengths) “Tangible and intangible cultural heritage and rich and diverse natural heritage”. This element

refers to two very important aspects. Thus, it shall be divided in:

i. Tangible and intangible cultural heritage

ii. Rich and divers cultural heritage

(Strengths) “Experience in the current programming period related to the setting-up of public-private

partnerships at local level (LAG)”. This element has been questioned by the Commission. It may be

reformulated as: “Awareness and attention to the LEADER approach potential provided at territorial level

and confirmed by the high number of applicants between 2007 – 2013.” – to be considered inserting it in

“Opportunities”.


Recommendation was accepted. The SWOT analysis has been revised according to the recommendations of

the ex ante evaluator.



Date: 07/03/2014



30

Opportunities) “Attractiveness of rural areas, which can generate premises for development of basic

infrastructure and services”. The logic is reversed, the new infrastructure ensures attractiveness. In

conclusion it should be rephrased: “Investments in basic infrastructure and communication provide a more

attractive rural area”

(Opportunities) “Use of traditional knowledge in the agricultural and rural areas to develop specific

activities” – this is a vague phrase. Rephrase: “The non-used value of traditional knowledge in the rural

areas to develop high added value products, considering the increased European request for natural and

traditional production (non-industrial production) of food (drinks and food).






Date: 07/03/2014



(Opportunities): “Interest of tourists in areas with local cultural and natural resources” – is too vague.

Reformulation: “Increase of the international request for touristic locations characterized by the possibility

of practicing eco-tourism (with environmental and cultural specific”).

(Opportunities): ”Completion of criteria for the designation of the eco-tourism destination in Romania, as

basis for development of agro-tourism tourist facilities in these destinations”. It is recommended reversing

the logic: “Improvement and development of tourism infrastructure due to the investments undertaken under

NRDP 2007-2013, is a pre-condition for increasing the attractiveness and accessibility of the rural areas”.






Date: 07/03/2014



The SWOT analysis should be filled in with elements related to the experience from the 2007 – 2013 period

by capitalizing the information contained in the annual reports and intermediary evaluation:

(Strengths): relatively good performance in the implementation and absorption of specific measures for the

31

“non-productive” investments.

(Strengths): relatively good performance in the implementation and absorption of the measure on

investments for “basic services for the rural population” according to the integrated results in the

intermediary evaluation.

(Opportunities): Development of microenterprises for obtaining alternative income sources, especially by

women, aspect that was proved by their ability to harness the opportunities offered by NRDP for initiating

new business (especially in the tourism sector)

Weaknesses: Challenges for small size family farms to provide financing for grants, since the loan banking

system does not accept to guarantee real estate loans.


Recommendation was partly accepted. The SWOT analysis has been revised according to the

recommendations of the ex ante evaluator. The proposal on filling in the SWOT analysis with the

“strength”: relatively good performance in the implementation and absorption of specific measures for the

“non-productive” investmentswas not accepted due to the fact that this measure was not implemented

during the 2007 – 2013 period.



Date: 07/03/2014



(Threats): Delayed initiation of activities relevant for the rural development Strategies of LAGs.

(Threats): Risk of rejecting the EU funds due to lack of local public and private beneficiaries‟ capacity to

support and implement productive investments.

The SWOT analysis should be filled in with the following additional information related to the additional

elements relevant to EU policies:

a. Information on Danube macro-region in terms of capacity building and increase of public efficiency;

b. Increasing the efficiency of the local actors as a result of the support provided by OP ACD;

c. Attention to EU social innovation processes that integrate different types of knowledge (producers and

consumers are considered to be information sources) in the new research programme (HORIZONT 2020);

d. Improving the communication and accessibility infrastructure following the investments made through

EAFRD during the 2007 – 2013 period;



32


Recommendation on the completion of the SWOT analysis with additional information related to EU

policies was not accepted.



Date: 07/03/2014



The SWOT analysis should be filled in with other elements related to international Organizations:

a. Increased awareness among consumers from local and international level on the existing connections

between food products, environment and health status (FAO: global trend);

b. Consumer‟s demand for developing education on food products, health and nature (FAO: global trend);

c. New role of women in rural areas, also as economic actors following the natural process of emancipation

(source: survey and interviews undertaken under the ex ante evaluation);

In order to have a more concise and clear vocabulary is preferred the use of a more stand

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