Commission boosts innovative projects in rural Spain
The European Commission has approved funding totalling 144.4 million euro for four Spanish regions under the Leader+ programme for rural development, which encourages the start up of innovative projects. When boosted by additional public funds, the total budget for the programme in these four regions will be 216.4 million euro. The programme aims to help mainly small businesses, farms and farming families to develop local initiatives for long term development strategies. Activities are likely to include innovative projects aimed at increasing the use of new information and communication technology. The four regions to benefit from this approval are Castilla-Leon (69 million euro), Galicia (54.5 million euro), the Canary Islands (15.3 million euro) and La Rioja (5.6 million euro). 'This programme aims to pilot new ideas to help build a more sustainable society, economy and environment for rural Spain. We want to improve the quality of life for all those who live in rural areas,' said Franz Fischler, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries.
Countries
Spain