Romanian delegation visit Aylesbury Vale rural projects
This week a delegation of Mayors and ministers visited The Clare Foundation to find out how the Aylesbury Vale LEADER programme is supporting rural businesses in the Vale.
The group, led by Mayor of the Botosani region in Romania, was very interested in how the projects were reviewed and how we measure the success of the programme.
David Campbell said They wanted to know how many jobs have been supported and they seemed really interested in the farm diversification and tourism projects. I think they were genuinely impressed by the impact.
I had to deliver a presentation through an interpreter so I have no idea what he said but the delegates seemed impressed! They wanted to know how the businesses were doing a year after the grant had been awarded and we were able to show that most businesses had grown and taken on more staff. It was good to show the measurable impact of the LEADER grants in Aylesbury Vale. Their main interest was in farm related projects where we have supported the building of B&Bs, the purchase of delivery vans, processing equipment and farm shops. Said Nick Phillips.
The Mayor of Botosani, said he would like us to visit his country when they have their projects up and running. The Mayor was convinced that there are similar issues facing farmers in rural Romania.
The LEADER Programme is designed to support local businesses, farmers, foresters, community groups, those involved in tourism and a range of rural enterprises. The fund can cover 50% of the cost of a project upto 50,000. If the project is a farm diversification the programme may be able to offer up to 100% grant.
How does it work?
If you have a project covering one of the areas above, complete an Expression of Interest form and send that to the LEADER Team. The LEADER Team check the eligibility of the project against criteria set for the programme. If acceptable, you fill in an application form and the Local Action Group (a volunteer body of local farmers and those from the rural community) will need to approve the grant.
Nick Phillips was keen to state that whilst there are still funds available this year but more projects are coming forward and many have been supported so Nick is urging farmers, foresters and those involved in rural Tourism to come forward with their projects.
For those looking to find out about the LEADER fund please contact Nick Phillips at nick.phillips@ngagesolutions.co.uk or by calling 01844 210447.