In September 2006 FLGR has successfully organised an information campaign in 5 regions in the country, focusing on the latest national policies and future possibilities for the farmers, agricultural producers and their cooperatives, small and medium-sized companies involved in the agricultural, forest, food production and processing industries, as well as representatives from local non-governmental organisations and municipalities. The information campaign titled "Possibilities for the Private Sector - Farmers, Producers and the Business within the National Rural Development Programme 2007 2013" is part of the "Rural Network and LEADER" project, a partner initiative between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, the United Nations Development Programme and the Foundation for Local Government Reform.

The information campaign provoked the interest of more than 150 rural and agricultural stakeholders and presented and discussed with all participants the draft measures within the National Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013 for which the business, farmers, brunch associations and cooperatives and agricultural producers could be potential beneficiaries after the start of the implementation of the Programme. The measures were presented together with their general objectives, eligible actions and expenditures, target groups and eligible beneficiaries and financial perspective. Providing a general overview of the measures within the National Rural Programme provided the practical possibility for all participants to get in-depth and better understanding of the future projects and allowed for cross-sectoral planning of potential initiatives.

All information events were marked with strong interest on behalf of the various local and regional stakeholders and provided public forum for discussions and debates.

The project continues to work for the better local and regional awareness among the rural and agricultural stakeholders and launches the national campaign towards the establishment of the National Rural Network in Bulgaria. The information campaign "First Steps of the National Rural Network in Bulgaria" will take place in 6 regions in the country in October mobilising the local public and private potential for better coordination and ensuring a national platform for partnerships, exchange of information, good practices and capacity building activities. The beginning of the national campaign has been marked by the selection of the logo of the National Rural Network, which was selected among many other logos through public voting.

Additional information about the on-going project activities you can find on:
www.flgr.bg, Rural Network section.

For contacts:
Marina Dimova, Programme Coordinator, FLGR,
e-mail: [email protected]