Brussels, 04/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the European Commission approved the Leader+ programme for Wales. With a EUR 30.6 million budget for 2000-2006, EUR 14.8 million of which will be funded by the EU, Leader aims to pilot new ideas to help build a more sustainable society, economy and environment for rural Wales. It identifies 6 target groups: micro and small businesses (including farms), farming families, the unemployed, Welsh speaking communities, women and young people. Activities could focus on measures to improve production methods, increase the use information technology and communications (e-mail, Internet, etc) and help farmers develop new skills to enable them to maximise their sources of income.