The 10th OECD Rural Development Policy Conference has stressed that in times of economic crisis, rural areas must be seen as sources of “opportunities, options and growth.”
Participants concluded that combining a range of financial instruments, boosting private investments, supporting local food systems, promoting the bioeconomy and emphasising environmental sustainability are indispensable for fully realising the economic potential of rural areas.
The event gathered leading international policymakers, experts and private sector representatives in Memphis (USA), 19-21 May, to debate on modern rural policies and how their implementation can best contribute to economic growth. The conference built upon the 2006 ‘New Rural Paradigm’ report.