SEMINAR 1998  
THE ARKLETON TRUST
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3.2. A new approach to rural development

The issue of economic diversification in rural areas is not at all new. In the early 1960s it was perceived and explored by various authors (e.g. Priebe in Germany), and it was a driving force in new rural regional development agencies such as the Highlands and Islands Development Board in Scotland, established in 1965. Moreover, the practice of local development emerged in many European rural areas both in the 1930s and the 1970s as a 'bottom-up' response to policy and market failures [Bassand, Brugger et al. 1986]. However, it took a long time before such ideas and practices found a place in the mainstream political agenda. This clearly illustrates the gap between the development of theories and social practice and their political acceptance.

The European Commission has been active in promoting a new approach to rural development in the last ten years. The origins of this new approach lie in:

  • the new structural policies of 1987 onwards (Structural Fund Reforms following the Single European Act);
  • the subsequent 1988 discussion paper 'The Future of Rural Society';
  • the introduction of the LEADER programme in 1991 (as a 'Community Initiative', part of the new structural policy);
  • the 1992 CAP reform (the 'MacSharry Reform');
  • the Cork Conference in 1996;
  • Agenda 2000 in 1997.

The key elements of the new approach are summarised below [in the following pages].

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