Brussels, 13/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the European Commission approved to rural development programmes under the "Leader +" initiative for the region of Umbria and the Province of Trento, in Italy. These programmes aim to encourage innovative projects aimed at setting up a more sustainable society, economy and environment for rural areas.
- Umbria: for the period 2001-2006, the total amount of funding assigned to the programme will be 21 million euro. Of the 15.14 million euro in public funds, the Community will contribute 7.57 million euro to the programme which should turn the historical and environmental heritage to advantage for the development of rural areas, promote the region's rural areas and local culture (advertising, promotion of tourism, support for collective action to improve economies of scale, making most of local events) and provide more services for the rural population. The main target groups are farms, small businesses and farming families. Five local action groups will benefit from the programme.
- Trento: the total amount of funds assigned to the programme (period 2001-2006) will amount to 19.311 million euro (public contribution of 7.38 million euro, in which the Community contribution as been set at 3.69 million euro). These programme is focused on the following themes: implementing a pilot integrated territorial development strategy; supporting co-operation between rural areas; proving technical assistance for the implementation of the programme. The main target groups are farms, small businesses and all those active in rural areas. This programme will benefit a local action group.