Leader approach in Sardinia: from Empirical Research to Theoretical Suggestions for the Future Reform of European Policies

MELONI, BENEDETTO;FARINELLA, DOMENICA;Piras V;Porru E;Salis M;Podda S.

2013-01-01

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Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate Rural Development Policies (RDP) in Sardinia, particularly the Leader approach. In the current 2007-2013 programming phase, the Sardinian RDP have already included some innovations which anticipate new Common Agriculture Policy: an agricultural supply chain approach aimed at promoting quality; the diversification of rural economies and multifunctional farming; protecting the landscape and quality of life; improvement of the attractiveness of rural areas and the need for an inclusive governance in local development processes. In Sardinia the Leader approach has a crucial position, aiming for: greater financial endowment than established in EC Regulation 1698/2005 (14% as opposed to 5%), selection criteria for Local Action Groups (LAGs) aimed at improving social inclusion, encouraging production of collective goods, supporting marginal areas and assuring transparency in processes with a better flow of information. Is there any coherence between overall rural development program objectives and policy delivery? In which way are RDP objectives implemented at a local level, both in the plans and actions of local action groups? This research project intends to answer these questions through process analysis. Three LAGs are analyzed, with in-depth case studies, with different techniques (focus groups, in-deph interviews, survey).