The LEADER programme and rural development
A Resolution of the European Parliament of 19 February 1991 concerns the Draft Notice from the Commission to the Member States laying down guidelines for integrated global grants for which Member States are invited to submit proposals in the framework of a Community initiative for rural development, LEADER (Links between actions for the development of the rural economy), (SEC(90) 1602). Parliament declares that the LEADER programme has a totally inadequate budget (ECU 400 million for a period of four years) but may help to launch a number of good projects, and calls for its sphere of action to be extended (especially regarding experimental projects carried out in support of rural development, including suburban farming areas, by means of additional financial measures). After further specific comment on LEADER, the Resolution goes on to consider in detail the role of agriculture in rural policy, plus rural policy in the Community.