The Scottish Government

« Previous | Contents | Next »

Listen

ANNEX 7
CO-OPERATION

1 Inter-Territorial and Trans National Co-operation

1.1 Each LAG will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to co-operation to achieve the necessary critical mass for projects to be viable; to encourage LAGs to undertake complementary actions; and to add value to a project through the bringing together of complementary skills, know-how, products and/or measures.

1.2 It is expected that new and less developed groups will benefit from the experience of mature LEADER groups, including any non LEADER groups which are nonetheless organised according to the LEADER principles. Leader+ LAG co-ordinators are prepared to mentor new groups and staff providing the experience and knowledge of the LEADER approach. Networking was a successful feature of Leader+ and it is intended that the network will continue as a sub group of the National Rural Development Network. It is intended that Scottish LAGs will have a chance to meet, share best practice and experiences, and develop cooperation project ideas.

1.3 Activities must complement the local projects promoted by the strategy. The cooperation must take the form of a project rather than just an exchange of experience, and that project must demonstrate genuine added value and produce real and tangible benefits for the communities in the rural area involved in the project.

1.4 LEADER will have a strong emphasis on co-operation between rural territories, and LAGs are expected to work together to share experiences of best practice. This is further extended through the opportunity for Scottish LAGs to work jointly with partners in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (inter-territorial co-operation), as well as with other parts of the European Union and non-Member States (transnational co-operation).

Possible themes for joint projects could be:

• joint marketing of tourism products developed through LEADER approach
• development of cultural initiatives - festivals
• joint marketing of local products in the food and craft sectors - eg co-operatives creating a joint structure

2 Co-operation within Scotland and the United Kingdom

2.1 A range of projects will be developed under LEADER involving LAGs from different parts of Scotland. Where appropriate, national organisations such as VisitScotland, Communities Scotland, and the Enterprise networks can provide strategic guidance, though all projects must respect the bottom-up nature of LEADER.

2.2 Groups may look beyond Scotland to link with other parts of the UK, especially where there are geographical, economic or social features in common, such as the border areas between Scotland and England will give a direction to areas seeking to link together on a joint project.

2.3 Unless integrated into the Local Development Strategy co-operation projects proposed by the Local Action Groups shall be selected by the Scottish Executive (Rural Development Implementing Regulation ( EC)1974/2006 Art. 39.4).

3 Trans National Co-operation

3.1 Support will be available for joint projects developed by a LAG in Scotland and LAGs in other Member States and LEADER-type groups in countries outwith the EU. The expenditure incurred by non- UKLAGs will be met by the RDR Programme in the Member State concerned. If the co-operative project of a Scottish LAG is with an area outwith the European Union organised according to the LEADER approach, then expenditure associated with the project that relates to the Scottish LAG's area will be eligible for LEADER funding. All trans-national projects require approval from the Scottish Executive.

3.2 It is vital that trans-national projects are quality projects involving activity in all areas of the project. A simple exchange of information will not constitute a project.

3.3 Unless proposals and a commitment for co-operation activities have been integrated into the Local Development Strategy, co-operation projects borne by the Local Action Groups shall be selected by the Scottish Executive (as required by the Rural Development Implementing Regulation ( EC) 1974/2005 Art. 39.4).

3.4 Eligible costs for co-operation projects will be additional costs met by a LAG in the implementation of the project. This includes staff costs, travel, training and other resources, events and all costs associated with the project. Existing costs and resources used in running the LAG are not eligible.

3.5 The EU network will be a good starting point for LAGs wishing to join in a co-operation project. The LEADER Observatory has been established by the European Commission and is based in Brussels. A team of LEADER experts is on hand to support LAGs and others with a view to:

• dealing with requests for information
• producing an electronic newsletter
• promoting and represent LEADER
• providing support for those involved with LEADER, especially with trans-national co-operation and practical information

The full address is:

LEADER Observatory and Contact Point

Tel: +32(0)2 235 20 20
Fax: +32 (0)2 280 04 38
E-mail: contact.point@leaderplus.org

« Previous | Contents | Next »