The health, economic, and social crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is having significant effects across the entire country, with a significant impact on urban and rural areas.

In the case of rural areas, on the one hand, their attractiveness and potential have been strengthened. The importance of rural areas and the primary sector in providing food to the population and offering safer and more sustainable living conditions has been demonstrated. However, the limitations in terms of services and infrastructure in rural areas, particularly in terms of healthcare and communications, have also become more evident.

The already evident economic impact has created a scenario of uncertainty for rural businesses, particularly in the restaurant and tourism sectors, but also in the agri-food sector and other sectors.

Faced with this situation, Local Action Groups are key agents that help address the most urgent needs of rural areas, while also reaching sectors that traditional agricultural measures cannot reach.

It is therefore important to disseminate the tools available to GALs to assist businesses in the territories (new legislative resources, flexibility measures, new lines of support, etc.)

This event aims to serve as a meeting point for the various stakeholders involved in LEADER (LAGs, LAG Networks, RDP management authorities, MAPA), with the aim of sharing the needs perceived by LAGs regarding the territory, as well as the resources currently available to LAGs and rural businesses to respond to these needs.

Objectives of the day

Facilitate the exchange of information between the various LEADER managers so that Local Action Groups can better tailor their actions to help minimize the effects of COVID-19 in their territories.

• To share the needs of rural businesses in the current context, as well as the proposals and initiatives carried out by the GAL to support them.
• Present possible flexibility measures, controls, or funds, available to GAL through regulatory initiatives
• Create a space for dialogue and reflection to work on proposals that can be implemented by Local Action Groups in the medium/long term

Target audience

• Local Action Groups and Regional and National Networks of the Groups, as well as LEADER managers of the RDPs.