Eu–leader innovators – lags as role models for development of rural communities

The pilot-process “EU–LEADER Innovators”, launched on 26 January 2021, as part of the EU-funded project “LEADER Approach for Rural Prosperity in Moldova”, will strengthen Local Action Groups (LAGs) as role models for the areas they will specialise in.

Through this pilot-process, the selected LAGs will identify the activity sectors with the biggest development potential within their micro regions, for which tailored action plans will be created. Thus, the LAGs will specialise, among others, as promo agencies for local products, cultural centers, promoters of local cuisine—any sector that can become a visiting card for their micro region. The launch event for “EU– LEADER Innovators” brought together over 60 participants from the LAGs across the country. Even though this model is the first for the Republic of Moldova, it has already generated many success stories in EU countries. One such example is the “Völgyvidék” LAG from Hungary, which organises local culinary tours focused on cheese production (“The Cheese Route”).

In Italy, the “Far Maremma” LAG — a region well-known for its wines — has brought together small local wine-makers in an association that organizes vineyard site visits and works on diversifying their product range. The “Wendland-Elbetal” LAG from Germany played a key-role in turning the eponymous region into a model for sustainable development, by making the energy used here 100% renewable. The LAGs selected for this pilot-process will work as a development “umbrella”, under which various local actors will join forces within their chosen activity sector. This process will engage the LAG management teams and local partners— particularly small entrepreneurs—in order to create palpable solutions that can inspire and be replicated by other LAGs. The “EU–LEADER Innovators, LAGs as Role Models” pilot-process is part of the “LEADER Approach for Rural Prosperity in Moldova” project, financed by the European Union and Polish Aid, implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova in partnership with the National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova. Strategic partner—the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment of Moldova.