Europe

Scottish Rural Action has announced funding from the Scottish Government which will give Scottish rural communities the opportunity to raise their concerns on Brexit as it affects them. 

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.

Following on from the 11th OECD Rural Development Conference in Edinburgh in April, Scotland House in Brussels went on to host the workshop  ‘Enhancing Innovation in Rural Areas: The Experience from Scotland’ in Brussels this June.

The world's first competition of Snow Rowing has been held in Savo, Finland.

Snow rowing is based on a new regional invention, the snow rowing machine. The machine combines traditional rowing boat oars and skis mounted on a device on which you can sit on while rowing across snow or ice. The machine is being further developed with the aid of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The EIP-AGRI Service Point is looking for coordinating experts for a number of workshops, seminars and Focus Groups on a range of topics.

The agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI) works to foster competitive and sustainable farming and forestry that 'achieves more and better from less'. 

The Autumn/Winter 2017 edition of the European Network for Rural Development's magazine is now available online.

The latest edition of the Rural Connections magazine focuses on rural proofing and also has news and updates from across the European Union covering topics from community-led rural broadband initiatives to the first ever European Rural Youth Parliament.

Rural Connections aims to be the networking magazine for rural development in Europe, making connections between ideas and between people.  

The National Council of Rural Advisers has published its interim report.

The remit of the National Council of Rural Advisers (NCRA) is to provide advice on the potential implications of Scotland leaving the European Union (EU) as part of the United Kingdom (UK), and make recommendations on future policy and support, with the aim of ensuring a vibrant, sustainable and productive rural economy.

Angus and Fife LEADER had the pleasure of hosting a study party from North-Harju, Estonia, to share ideas and inspiration for local rural development projects. 

The Estonian party of 22 delegates was drawn from members of their LEADER LAG, which is involved with rural development at enterprise or community level. They were here for three days and had the opportunity to visit a range of our projects.