Aiming to support the take-up and implementation of the LEADER approach in the Western Balkans, Turkey and beyond, a new publication by DG AGRI compiles practical information on setting up and encouraging bottom-up initiatives in rural areas.

The guide features useful knowledge on: preparing the ground for LEADER; establishing LAGs; preparing and implementing Local Development Strategies, as well as sections on networking and innovation. It focuses on actions supported under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to Rural Development (IPARD), however the methodology can be applied more broadly.