ANNEX B Rural Development Measures under the Rural Development Regulation (1698/2005)
Axis 1 Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector
(a) Measures aimed at promoting knowledge and improving human potential through:
1 vocational training and information actions, including diffusion of scientific knowledge and innovative practises, for persons engaged in the agricultural, food and forestry sectors;
2 setting up of young farmers;
3 early retirement of farmers and farm workers;
4 use of advisory services by farmers and forest holders; and,
5 setting up of farm management, farm relief and farm advisory services, as well as of forestry advisory services.
(b) Measures aimed at restructuring and developing physical potential and promoting innovation through:
6 modernisation of agricultural holdings;
7 improving the economic value of forests;
8 adding value to agricultural and forestry products;
9 cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies in the agriculture and food sector and in the forestry sector;
10 improving and developing infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture and forestry; and,
11 restoring agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters and introducing appropriate prevention actions.
(c) Measures aimed at improving the quality of agricultural production and products by:
12 helping farmers to adapt to demanding standards based on Community legislation;
13 supporting farmers who participate in food quality schemes; and,
14 supporting produced groups for information and promotion activities for products under food quality schemes.
(d) Transitional measures for the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia concerning:
15 supporting semi-subsistence agricultural holdings undergoing restructuring; and,
16 supporting setting up of producer groups.
Axis 2 Improving the environment and the countryside
(a) Measures targeting the sustainable use of agricultural land through:
17 natural handicap payments to farmers in mountain areas;
18 payments to farmers in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas;
19 Natura 2000 payments and payments linked to directive 2000/60/EC;
20 agri-environment payments;
21 animal welfare payments; and,
22 support for non-productive investments.
(b) Measures targeting the sustainable use of forestry land through:
23 first afforestation of agricultural land;
24 first establishment of agro forestry systems on agricultural land;
25 first afforestation of non-agricultural land;
26 Natura 2000 payments;
27 forest-environment payments;
28 restoring forestry potential and introducing prevention actions; and,
29 support for non-productive investments.
Axis 3 The quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy
(a) Measures to diversify the rural economy, comprising:
30 diversification into non-agricultural activities;
31 support for the creation and development of micro-enterprises with a view to promoting entrepreneurship and developing the economic fabric; and,
32 encouragement of tourism activities.
(b) Measures to improve the quality of life in rural areas, comprising:
33 basic services for the economy and rural population;
34 village renewal and development; and,
35 conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.
(c) Training, skills acquisition and animation
36 training and information for economic actors operating in the fields covered by axis 3; and,
37 skills acquisition and animation with a view to preparing and implementing a local development strategy.
Axis 4 Leader
38 implementing local development strategies with a view to achieving the objectives of one or more of the three other axes;
39 implementing cooperation projects involving the objectives selected under point 38; and,
40 running the local action group, acquiring skills and animating the territory as referred to in Article 59.
Technical Assistance
41 provision for the European Network for Rural Development; and,
42 provision for a National rural network.