Rural Affairs

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2.8 Need for Studies, Demonstration Projects, Training or Technical Assistance

  1. The generation of regional activities through the regional planning process revealed three cross-cutting activities which are key factors in the achievement of integrated rural development. Two of these are feasibility studies, and demonstration projects. These could apply across a range of measures, but fit most easily under the various Article 33 sub-measures or technical assistance.
Table 2.26: Feasibility studies identified
Specific Activities Example Outputs Measures
Assessment of facilitator and animateur models Best practice to develop advisory support, project management and networks Article 33
Training
Technical Assistance
Development of quality management systems Product certification
Farm Attraction quality standards and grading system		 Article 33
Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme
Training
Feasibility studies for business development Venture capital business plans Article 33
Review of UK/ Euro/Worldwide demo projects Enhanced networks Technical Assistance
Assessment of consumption patterns and sourcing of produce Marketing opportunities for local businesses Article 33
Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme
Assessment of rural tourism market opportunities Marketing opportunities for local businesses Article 33
Assessment of options for marketing and distribution of regional products Marketing opportunities for local businesses Article 33
Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme
Support for collaborative activity Machinery rings
Skills pools		 Article 33
Training

Demonstration projects

Table 2.27: Demonstration projects
Specific Activities Example Outputs Measures
Renewable energy crop development Field-scale harvestable energy crops
Use of forest residues as a wood fuel		 Other forestry: Energy Crops
Lowland livestock extensification Restoration of heather moorland through stocking reductions
Pilot grazing schemes
Livestock systems studies		 Countryside Stewardship Scheme
Integrated scheme advice (one stop shop) Advisory project teams in remote/disadvantage areas Article 33
Technical Assistance
Area-based integrated rural development initiatives Diversification opportunities
Targeted incentives		 Article 33
Technical Assistance
Whole farm approaches to environmental land management Best practice examples
Biodiversity and landscape enhancements		 Countryside Stewardship Scheme
Crop demonstration units/trials Renewable energy generation plant
Crops with medicinal uses
Essential oils
Fibre crops		 Other forestry: Energy Crops
Community support mechanisms Farmers' wives support circles
Enhanced networks for young farmers		 Training
Technical Assistance
Integrated woodland establishment, management and marketing Woodlands for designated product destination Forestry
Article 33
Product development Marketing skills training
Exemplar products
Environmental products		 Article 33

Page last modified: 17 August, 2005
Page published: 1 October, 2000

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs