xavier

Latvia

Introduction

Within the project “Acquisition of fixed assets for the start-up of Ltd. BeATUS” a new social enterprise has been established, and a new service has been developed for families with children. The project has created a comprehensive developmental program with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for local residents. The innovative approach uses ‘warm grain boxes’ to reduce prolonged stress, improve health, interpersonal relationships, and learning abilities for children or adolescents aged 1.5-16 years. Additionally, family consultations are provided. Parent surveys indicate that following these activities, there are improvements in children’s sleep, language skills, adaptability, and emotional recognition, as well as reductions in aggression and muscle tension. Over the course of two years, the enterprise has provided services to more than 60 families and has implemented training for new specialists. Furthermore, additional warm grain boxes have been prepared to expand service availability. The enterprise’s development plans include extending the range of services by organizing outdoor activities, family gatherings, dances, and other events to cultivate an emotionally secure and healthy environment within Ķekava municipality.”

Presentation of the project

The project was implemented in the territory of the association “Partnerība Daugavkrasts” and its independent place of operation is Ķekava, but it is also possible to provide out-of-town services throughout the territory of Ķekava county.

The implementer of the project and the founder of the company is a social worker whose daily work was previously related to the prevention of behavioral problems in schools and children. She was burnt out in this work and was looking for new opportunities and methods for working with children, as the methods used so far did not give sufficient results in her view. She also wanted to work close to where she lived, rather than looking for a job somewhere else. Its needs coincided with opportunities, and with the support of LEADER, the social enterprise BeATUS (brand Laimes bola, https://www.facebook.com/Laimesbloda) was created by purchasing the initial equipment.

The goal of the project was the creation of a new company that will offer families with children an innovative method for children’s development and behavior correction, i.e. lessons in warm natural materials (grain) boxes. The project developed prototypes for the boxes and produced two stationary and two mobile heated grain boxes, as well as other equipment for providing lessons. Thanks to mobile grain boxes, it is possible to provide the service not only on a stationary basis, but also as out-of-town lessons.

At the moment, it is safe to say that this project has been a success story, and the company’s operations have developed faster than planned. On a daily basis, services are provided to families with children, leading children’s classes in warm cereal boxes, and providing advice to parents on the improvement and development of children’s behavior and emotional state. The demand for such classes in the territory of LAG is very high, at least twice as much as originally planned, and three trained specialists are already working in the company, including the entrepreneur himself. At the same time, the method of classes in warm grain boxes is also introduced elsewhere in Latvia, both by producing and selling the boxes, and by training specialists. Currently, such specialists work in at least 10 locations in Latvia.

The further development of the company’s activities is related to offering lessons in nature for children and families “Let’s go outside” in order to teach children to know natural processes at any time of the year, as well as to stay and survive in nature. A special place with various elements promoting the child’s development has also been created for offering developmental lessons outside. Another LEADER project has been implemented for the purchase of equipment for the above-mentioned classes.

On the other hand, the next step of the company’s development is related to the introduction of warm grain bowl classes for seniors, in order to help this age group with solving problems caused by the consequences of various diseases and stabilizing their emotional state. It is planned to develop small heated wooden bowls on a stand, in which seniors could work with their hands.

Partnership Daugavkrasts has supported SIA BeATUS with LEADER financing in two projects, the total amount of EUR 26,147 (warm cereal boxes and “Let’s go out”). During the time when the company was formed, LAG implemented the LEADER cooperation project on social entrepreneurship, providing those interested with understanding of social entrepreneurship, idea development and mentoring, as well as networking. The owner of BeATUS became involved in the activities of the cooperation project, as a result of which she understood the importance of social entrepreneurship, and SIA BeATUS is currently one of the four social enterprises in the LAG territory. Also, LAG has promoted mutual cooperation between local companies by introducing entrepreneurs, because BeATUS hot cereal boxes are produced by a company from the partnership territory, which is engaged in the production of wooden products, SIA “BCB – Eko”. On the other hand, in cooperation with other family support service providers, e.g. pep mothers, lessons with horses, families are offered complex services, including within the framework of various events and projects, also in cooperation with LAG.

Emblematic character of the project

One of the business priorities in the Daugavkrast Partnership strategy is the support of new companies that implement innovative methods in their operations. The second priority is the development of social services in the territory of the LAG.

Therefore, the interests and needs of the host and the LAG coincided, because in the Ķekava district, until the implementation of this project, classes for promoting children’s development and correcting behavior in boxes of warm natural materials (grains) were not available for families with children. With the creation of the company and the development of its activities in the territory of the partnership, three aspects have been improved: the offer of social services has been expanded with innovative features and the needs of families have been addressed, a new social company has been established, and mutual cooperation between different social service providers has been promoted by offering complex classes.

In fact, it can be said that the result of the project – lessons in warm cereal boxes is an innovation on the scale of the whole of Latvia, because until the implementation of the project, some companies offered families children’s behavior-correcting lessons in the sand.

At the moment, more than 10 locations in Latvia have BeATUS-trained specialists working in the warm grain boxes manufactured and sold by the company. The results of the project have also been distributed in the areas of operation of other LAGs, for example in Balvu district, Madona, Sigulda, etc. places. In addition, there is regular training of specialists and improvement of methods for working with families.

Pictures

Association “Partnership Daugavkrasts”

Latvia

Slovenia

Introduction

With the Ovtar goes around operation, the content and scope of the local offer of food and non-food products in connection with the tourist offer will be upgraded and connected with the content and offer of tourism, combined in one operation. It is an integrated approach to the development of the local offer in connection with the marketing of sustainable tourism.

Presentation of the project

Location:

• The local and tourist offer of the LAG Ovtar of Slovenske gorice area (Southeastern Slovenia), which comprises 10 municipalities, united into a geographical whole. In terms of development, the region is below average in both Slovenian and European standards.

Existed needs:

• Unrecognizability and weak promotion of the local and tourist offer of the LAS Ovtar area or Slovenske Gorice.
• The absence of common (digital) platforms and marketing channels for common market presence.
• Underutilization of local (tourist) potentials.

Objectives:

• Development, presentation and promotion of local producers or providers of tourist services.
• Development of services that improve the inclusion of the offer in the community of all residents of the area.
• Connecting the offer and establishing conditions for sustainable and green development.
• Support in connection and inclusion of vulnerable groups (elderly providers, housewives’ associations, young people, disabled…)

Actual outputs:

• The combined appearance of local and tourist offers on the market.
• Extremely positive response from providers and inclusion in the common brand.
• Implementation of the idea of sustainability and environmental protection among providers, local communities and the environment in general.
• Common digital platform (website) and promotional materials for tourism and other stakeholders (tourist catalogues, catalogues of local offer, brochures, maps – available in English as well).
• Promotional materials that are universally applicable to events and local vendors (promo-wall, beach flags).
• Raising the quality of tourist services and adopted standards for the development of the offer.
• Establishing a network of cooperation with related organizations from the public and private sector.
• Providing the basic basis for the development of tourism in the region.
• Network of more than 250 local stakeholders (associations, local communities, farms, tourist providers, organizations, …).

Role of LEADER:

• Co-financing the connected activities of local communities and stakeholders to meet their common needs in a wider area.
• Implementation of guidelines for environmental protection, principles of sustainability and digitization among providers and local communities.
• Connecting different (tourist and local) stakeholders into a common system that has the same goal.
• It made it possible to ensure the basic conditions in the field of tourism and the local offer, so that it stands out from the average and starts building on added value.

Emblematic character of the project

We find that local providers, local communities and other stakeholders in the area do not know how to work together if it were not for an institution like ours. As a result, until now they did not even know each other and did not cooperate, and in the wider environment this meant that the region and its key offers were unrecognizable. Organizations at the national level and in the neighborhood of our area did not treat us equally and included us in joint activities.

Our organization spent a year collecting information on the field, identifying offers and potentials, and listening to local stakeholders regarding their problems and suggestions. Regardless of the concrete results of the project, this information from the field has an invaluable value for all definitions in the strategy and in future projects, since the information is obtained directly from the people and organizations to which LEADER is intended.

With the Ovtar goes around operation, we have raised the level of tourism development, as a result more and more people are engaged in tourism (new offer, neat surroundings, more jobs). Providers have also realized that even in tourism it is possible to have a positive impact on the environment, so most of them organize events without the use of plastic, with glass packaging, recycled material… and some also prepare projects focused on the circular economy, whereby we support them.

The project represents an example for other areas that have problems in connecting local and tourist offers. Although we connect 10 municipalities and almost 200 local and tourist providers, we practically never have problems with confirming our proposals, as we enjoy a high level of trust in our work. This is the main factor of our successful work, where we can be an example to others.

Pictures

We included region:

Nature:

Gastronomy (included subjects: Association of Housewives, rural Societies, Restaurants, Tourist Farms):

Local and tourist providers (groups and individual presentation):

Legends and cultural heritage:

2- CULINARY EVENTS (included subjects: local people, associations)

3-CATALOGUES, BROCHURES, MAPS

Catalogue regional tourist offer (available at: https://www.rasg.si/images/brosure/Turisti%C4%8Dni%20katalog_Na%20raj%C5%BEo_2022.pdf)

Brochure regional tourist offer (available at: https://www.rasg.si/images/brosure/Turisti%C4%8Dna%20bro%C5%A1ura_Na%20raj%C5%BEo_2022.pdf)

Catalogue local offer (collection of more than 100 local producers, available at: https://www.rasg.si/images/brosure/Ovtarjeva%20ponudba_Na%20raj%C5%BEo_2022.pdf)

Map of the wider area (available at: https://www.rasg.si/images/LAS_zemljevid_osnutek_v10_final_manjkajo_prevodi_treh_poti__kopija_compressed_1.pdf)

Beach flags

Promo-wall

Roll-up

Representative photo of the area:

4-EDUCATION OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS

Workhop digital marketing (more sessions):

5-BAGS MADE OF RECYCLABLE MATERIAL (for general use)

6-PHOTOS FOR ADVERTISING MATERIALS

7-PROMO MOVIES OF THE REGION

Development Agency of Slovenske gorice

LAG Ovtar of Slovenske gorice

Slovenia

Latvia

Introduction

In the project “The digital tools for innovative services at Jaunauce Manor” an application called “Vārti” was created at Jaunauce Manor – an augmented reality digital exhibition. It is an innovative solution that helps castle visitors visualize those art objects that historically were located in the castle but are no longer preserved or are now in European museums. In the virtual exhibition of the castle halls, visitors can view 12 paintings and  eight busts that were located in Jaunauce Manor in the 19th century. The most outstanding art collection of that time in the Courland province was found here, including works by old masters like Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, as well marble busts created by the “sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, and other works. The collection belonged to Baron Theodor von der Rop.Historically, Jaunauce Manor’s hall also hosted celebrations of the von der Rop family. The developed application allows you to see the 3D format of the 1833 and 1915 manorial ball dances, including the waltz, and masquerades in the attire of that era. The project provided the opportunity for Jaunauce Manor to develop a high-quality, contemporary, and innovative solution to explore the cultural heritage of Jaunauce Manor, which educates and inspires people of the 21st century.

Presentation of the project

The project was implemented in Jaunauce parish which is one of the least populated places in Saldus district – 112 inhabitants (data as of 20.06.2023). Jaunauce is located 15 km from the Lithuanian border, more than 100 km from Riga. One of the longest distances to the administrative center of the county – 47km. Until the submission of the project, digital tools were used in Latvia only in the capital Riga – in 3 museums. The 4th museum is located in Jaunauce.

By developing the tourist offer of Jaunauces Castle, using modern methods, the development of Jaunauces Castle is promoted, thus giving the opportunity to preserve one of the most significant tourism objects of Saldus region and resilience of local municipality. In the future, it could create new jobs and promote the attractiveness of the place, which in turn could encourage the return of young people to Jaunauce parish.

Emblematic character of the project

The keywords of the strategy are cooperation, local resources, innovative use of cultural and historical heritage.

The Leader project mitigates at least 4 THREATS defined in the strategy – the emergence of new outskirts without development opportunities, because the project ensures development, both the potential of the cultural and historical monument – Jaunauce Castle, and the potential of tourism development will be used, and new tourism products and services will be created.

The project provides innovations and is original – for the first time in the territory of the LAG, an augmented reality exposition will be created – it is able to visualize non-existent objects that were once in the castle. Information about cultural heritage is presented according to the 21st century. technological possibilities, which are very important for attracting children and young people.

In the strategy, projects that are innovative at the strategy level in the territory of the local action group are considered innovative projects, the connection of cultural and historical heritage with innovations is emphasized.

Jaunauce Castle’s example of good practice is a good source of inspiration, a model and a place for consultation for managers of other historical buildings. The application arouses interest in other palace services.

Pictures

Association Mēs-Jaunaucei

Association “Saldus District Development Association”

Latvia

(LEADER Cooperation project)

Portugal

Introduction

The “Villages of Portugal/Aldeias de Portugal” are an interactive and collaborative network of villages, based on sharing and using the methodology and principles of the LEADER approach for the co-construction of a development and valorization project for each village, based on its resources and potential and in the involvement of the community and local actors, led by the Local Action Group in each area with the support of ATA – Associção de Turismo de Aldeia, a national association dedicated to capacity building marketing and promotion and dissemination of local endogenous resources.

Presentation of the project

The project’s intervention area is Mainland Portugal and its objective is to enhance the cultural heritage of rural areas, reinforcing the demographic fabric of the most isolated regions. In this way, it is possible to promote social inclusion and alleviate poverty in these territories. Promoting its villages and empowering its community, in order to consolidate the “Aldeias de Portugal” network, expanding its representation at national level and the expected social impact.

With the active participation of 16 Local Action Groups, the project was able to classify 61 villages, providing significant improvements in the quality of life and the preservation of rural traditions in Portugal. This achievement is the result of the promotion and conservation of rural heritage, using memory and local identity as essential resources.

Community involvement is crucial to success, and each local stakeholder must contribute with their work, thus ensuring the continuity and success of each village project. The importance of exploring the deep emotional bond between inhabitants and their village is also highlighted, using this bond as a driver for local development. Each local person/organisation personal investment not only ensures the continuity of the project, but also strengthens the feeling of belonging, essential for the sustainable defence and promotion of each village.

Emblematic character of the project

The Network Villages of Portugal is a driver of aggregation and valorization of sustainable dynamics that aim at the development of the territory, through the dynamization of its endogenous resources and assets that characterize its identity.

1.Cultural Preservation: Many villages have significant cultural and historical value. Preserving these aspects not only maintains local identity, but can also attract cultural tourism.

2.Local Economic Development: Investing in infrastructure, promoting rural tourism and supporting local economic activities in villages generates jobs and stimulates economic growth in rural areas.

3.Environmental Sustainability: Villages, often located in natural environments, benefit from strategies that aim to balance economic development with environmental conservation.

4.Social Inclusion: Combat rural depopulation, promoting social inclusion and providing opportunities for rural communities.

5.Increased Quality of Life: By investing in local services, such as education, health and leisure, villages can improve the quality of life of their inhabitants and attract the return of “children of the land”.

In summary, the “Villages of Portugal” project and network play a crucial role in the LEADER supported Local Development Strategy of each LAG partner, as they represent strategic locations in their areas to drive sustainable economic development, preserve culture and promote quality of life in rural areas, promoting social inclusion and combating poverty in these territories.

The most emblematic activities of the Aldeias de Portugal are registered on the social networks:

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA

Some villages already have their own social networks, such as:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087857500059

https://www.facebook.com/bocoaldeiadeportugal

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083126269262

Activities in several villages include remembering/reactivating community traditions related to agrifood heritage, creation of new events to promote local products, local participator assemblies to decide on future events of the project or training the community to welcome visitors with the initiative “Have lunch and dinner with us”:

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA/videos/153471021157933

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA/videos/6191485110953457

Pictures

ADRITEM – Associação de Desenvolvimento Regional Integrado das Terras de Santa Maria (leading a consortium of 16 Local Action Groups)

LAG ADRITEM (Associação de Desenvolvimento Regional Integrado das Terras de Santa Maria)

Portugal

Portugal

Introduction

“Quinta de Travassinhos” is a rural tourist accommodation (TER – Turismo em Espaço Rural) development in the agrotourism modality, located in Santa Marta de Penaguião, in the Alto Douro region. The rehabilitation process of the farm, which dates back to the 18th century, was supported by LAG Douro Histórico, through the LEADER Measure of the Mainland Portugal Rural Development Program. The space currently offers 9 accommodation units, living and dining room, kitchen, leisure space, SPA and outdoor pool.

Presentation of the project

This project aims to respond to the need, increasingly felt in the region, to offer quality and differentiated tourism units in the municipality of Santa Marta de Penaguião, more specifically in the village of Sanhoane.

This project considered the following opportunities:

– High international notoriety that Portugal, as a tourist destination, experiences;

– Recognition of the Alto Douro Wine Region as a world heritage site by UNESCO;

– Growing demand for tourism products based on “experience/discovery”;

– Increased demand in the areas of wine tourism, ecotourism and entertainment activities;

– Growing interest in regional products (gastronomy, wines…);

– Increase in the number of visitors to the Douro Region and demand for quality tourism;

 – Search for destinations that allow contact with nature and rurality;

– Positive tourist references to Portugal and the Douro region in the international press;

– Lack of direct competition on site;

– Natural conditions of the region: the climate, the river, the vineyard and the cultural and landscape diversity.

And also the following threats

– Seasonality;

– Increased indirect competition (local accommodation, hotels, etc.)

– Lack of institutional promotion – Economic instability, with strong pressure on prices;

– Economic and political situation in Europe

This tourist space consists of the ground floor, through which there is the main entrance and where the enterprise’s service and administrative support areas and a SPA are located. On the 1st floor there are 5 bedrooms with private bathroom and on the 2nd floor there are 4 bedrooms, 1 of which is intended for people with reduced mobility. It also offers an outdoor space, where, in addition to outdoor meals, there is a swimming pool, from where you can enjoy the stunning landscape. The investments, promoted through LAG Douro Histórico and with the support of EAFRD funds within the scope of sub-measure “Diversification of activities on farms to non-agricultural activities”, aimed at:

 – Fully respect the general requirements for the facilities and operation of rural units;

 – Provide the space with all the equipment necessary for its operation;

 – Allow the holding of themed events and other wine tourism activities;

 – Maintain the architectural and ornamental characteristics typical of the environment in which the house is located;

– Ensure efficient internal and customer relationship management;

– Contribute to qualify, expand and retain demand for the tourism unit;

The project was supported by a 50% non-refundable subsidy of the eligible investment. The support amounted to €84,966.06 in European funding and €14,994.02 in national funding. The investments consisted of remodelling the house and creating a swimming pool, intervention in exterior arrangements, furniture and kitchen equipment, household appliances, as well as various studies.

The promoter intends to invest in a strategy of promoting the tourist unit, based on the dissemination of quality services, with entertainment and cultural leisure activities, with very attractive prices for this type of offer.

Emblematic character of the project

This is an innovative project, taking into account the lack of tourist offer of this nature in the place where it is located and also due to the diversification of the products it offers to its potential customers.

It fits perfectly into the strategy defined and approved by the local partnership of the LAG, which presents tourism as one of its priority areas.

The project will contribute to population retention, not only by creating jobs but also by increasing the dynamics associated with the local economy.

This type of projects can be perfectly replicated in other rural territories with similar socio-economic characteristics, within the framework of LEADER strategies taking advantage of local potential and diversifying the functions and activities in the territory.

Pictures

https://quintadetravassinhos.pt/

Local authority

LAG AD ELO

Associação de Desenvolvimento Local da Bairrada e Mondego (Bairrada and Mondego Local Development Association)

Portugal

Processing of nut products

Portugal

Introduction

The project started on the kitchen counter of Miguel Rodrigues’ parents. Miguel has always had a taste for sustainable and healthy food, so he had this idea of creating a healthy almond paste, taking advantage, in a sustainable way, of one of the most traditional products in his region, the Algarve almonds.

After many experiments, his team got there, and today they have a very careful production process that uses only natural ingredients and manages to preserve the maximum qualities and taste of all products. Instead of I’M NAT, the name of the company, you could call them natural delights. They gladly accept.

Their mission is to continue to create natural, tasty and honest products, promoting a change in eating habits, making them healthier and more sustainable.

Presentation of the project

The promoter of the project intended to use almonds, one of the most characteristic products of his region, in a sustainable way, creating new products/new usages to the product, creating value, promoting the territory, and promoting healthier eating habits.

The promoter looked for support next INTERIOR DO ALGARVE CENTRAL Local Action Group to install and start his business (to adapt a space and to acquire equipment for processing and marketing).

Regarding the products, knowing that the quality of the ingredients is fundamental, in 2017, the company started to look for local producers that would guarantee this quality. In 2018 their almond paste was already part of breakfasts in the region and in 2019 they were on the lips of the whole country!

Making a big leap, the company created a new name and a new image. I’M NAT! was born, in English, because naturally, the company want to go around the world!

Today the company has a wide range of products produced with Algarve almonds and other nuts

The company is located in the small village of Bela Salema, next to Faro, in Algarve, the southern region of Portugal.

Emblematic character of the project

In a region with a high rate of precarious employment, the project allowed the creation of new jobs, with perspectives of stability.

This also allowed the valorisation of endogenous products, traditional local production methods and the valorisation of products and the territory.

The project also allowed local production to be boosted, through the creation of partnerships with local producers.

The project also aims to promote healthy and sustainable eating habits using local products (no added sugar, no palm oil, vegan products) and disseminate this approach, encouraging adoption by other companies in other regions of the country and even abroad.

Pictures

Home

WILD NUT CO, UNIPESSOAL, LDA

LAG INTERIOR DO ALGARVE CENTRAL (IN LOCO Association)

Portugal, Algarve

Vegetable and school restaurant “BIO et Local”France

France

Introduction

Food is an increasingly important subject in everyday life. Junk food, obesity, pesticides, excess sugar, salt and the origin of products are all subjects that concern the “eaters”, and in particular the parents of young children. Based on this observation, and building on the “BoCal” (Bon et loCal) approach taken in the context of the animation of the Territorial Food Projects (PAT) developed by the Community of Municipalities of Grand Pic Saint-Loup and Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, Le Passe Muraille has set itself the objective of creating a quality collective school catering unit favoring a supply of local, organic and seasonal productions that will be managed by a company and a job insertion site. This ambitious study-action project has taken the challenge of combining several themes around a network of usually unconnected partners (agriculture, social inclusion, vocational training and collective catering). Bet today succeeded!

Presentation of the project

Food has been declared a “major regional cause 2018/2019” by the Occitanie Region. This approach was based on expert consultation and broad citizen consultation, from which the future challenges for healthy and sustainable food, local short-circuit supply, awareness of responsible food, solidarity from field to plate emerged. It is precisely in this context that the From Earth to Plate project has positioned itself. Its twin objectives are: to design meals for collective school catering based on a 100% choice of organic and local products, by promoting the “home-made” and integrating a system to combat food waste; to meet the need for skilled workers in the hotel/catering trades in tension on the Department by promoting the social and professional integration of the most vulnerable audiences.

To this end, two structures have been created within the territory of the Community of Municipalities (an integration company and a job site) whose activity will enable the marketing and development of a school catering service in the form of a SCIC (associating the local authorities). The challenge is now successful, thanks in part to the unifying role played by LEADER, with networking initiated both with external partners (FR CIVAM, Chambre d’Agriculture) and with other LEADER projects (MFR,). Thanks to an approach of “improving food quality”, it is now 4 municipalities, and soon 8, of the territory and more broadly 12 schools in total that have voluntarily entrusted the provision of school meals to the association Passe Muraille and SCIC De La Terre à l’Assiette.  The adventure started in 2019 culminated today: the creation of an insertion site with 15 positions, including 3 supervisors, the creation of 2 insertion companies with 26 positions, including 8 insertion at the opening of a self-service restaurant.

This means that 41 posts are now being created for this project, including 21 permanent jobs and 20 jobs in the labor market. More than 2,000 meals/days are produced today in organic and local production. Development continues in the neighboring territories of the Pic Saint loup. Many local producers in organic farming are growing thanks to the partnership generated by this action.

The emblematic character of the project

Many families are choosing a different, healthier, more responsible, more ethical diet.

This change in behavior, which is particularly evident on our territory, is linked to the current societal challenges of relocation and reappropriation of our food. The ‘From the Earth to the Plate’ project fully responds to these problems by relying on two priority axes defined in the Grand Pic Saint-Loup LAG’s strategy: promoting short circuits, promoting and enhancing local production (Fiche-Action 4) and promoting the adaptability of the public in search of employment and encouraging the return to employment (Fiche-Action 2).

Accompanying the realization of this project is showing that it is POSSIBLE. It is possible to accompany this change in behavior even in school catering. It is possible to make collective catering by sourcing locally organic and seasonal products.

This “From the Earth to the Plate” project, which is based on simple principles and the strong will of local institutional, public and private actors, helps to promote the image of a territory by associating it with a high food quality policy and can be modeled and developed on other territories, for school catering, or any other type of catering out of home. The total number of jobs created 41 is up for grabs and allows an absolutely exceptional return on investment of EAFRD €25 000.

Pictures

Le Passe Muraille

Grand Pic Saint-Loup

Occitanie

Galeria Municipal – Centro Interpretativo do Concelho

Portugal

Introduction

The Montemor-o-Velho Interpretive Center introduces technological innovation to explore history, customs, experiences and traditions in an interactive and playful way.

Using technological resources and interactive and dynamic exhibition spaces, it is possible to get to know the municipality of Montemor-o-Velho in its various aspects: heritage, gastronomy; traditions; culture; endogenous resources; economic activities; environment and biodiversity. Each visit is intended to be a unique “journey”, in which the visitor is challenged to interact to discover the secrets and history of Montemor-o-Velho, reinforcing the identity ties of the local community, especially the younger ones who, in a certain way, have stopped contacting with some of these identity experiences and customs.

In this space, which originates from the refunctionalization of the old Municipal Market and Gallery, it is possible to enjoy an experience where visitors can breathe and experience the history, heritage, culture and identity of the municipality and its people in an innovative way.

Presentation of the project

The Montemor-o-Velho Interpretive Center is located in the historic center of the town of Montemor-o-Velho, covered by the intervention of Local Action Group AD ELO and is characterized as a strategic project promoted by the municipality of Montemor-o-Velho that aims to qualify, study, preserve and disseminate the municipality’s cultural heritage. The development of the project was supported under the LEADER measure Mainland Portugal Rural Development Program.

The goal of this project was to create the technological functionalities of the Interpretive Center, which provides the dissemination of a set of thematic content linked to the identifying and endogenous elements of the municipality of Montemor-o-Velho. Therefore, each of the tools available at the Interpretive Center aims to use technology in an interactive way, providing the visitors with a complete communication of content that demonstrates the history, identifying elements, places to visit and values of Montemor-o-Velho.

From games to various multimedia content, everything was thought out in detail to take visitors on a journey through the visual, graphic and sound roots of Montemor-o-Velho.

On the ground floor of the old Municipal Gallery, interactive games challenge children and adults to catch crayfish, one of the pests of the Baixo Mondego (Carolino type) rice fields, or to uncover the municipality’s legends, discovering, for example, the chests hidden in the Castle. The “multimedia wall” offers several promotional and informative videos with subtitles. The interactive counters and kiosks showcase the values, personalities and material and immaterial heritage of the municipality. The “Time Tunnel”, on the 1st floor, takes visitors on a journey through Montemor-o-Velho from its beginnings to contemporary times. The strong technological component associated with the space tatgets different types of audiences.

The Montemor-o-Velho Interpretive Center was inaugurated in July 2023 and is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Emblematic character of the project

The project to create the Montemor-o-Velho Interpretive Center was supported by the LEADER measure, highlighting the strong evidence of innovation in the community, presenting itself in the territory as unique and differentiating, as it included the recovery and improvement of an important heritage site in Montemor-o-Velho, the Municipal Gallery (Old Market), boosting its appreciation through conversion and equipping it into an Interpretive Center, allowing the valorization of the municipality’s heritage, cultural, economic and tourist elements.

Specifically, the Interpretive Center was structured to function as an element that stimulates and promotes the preservation and reinforcement of local identity through activities that provide differentiating experiences that have a strong impact on the tourist component of the territory, also promoting its attractiveness. It is also intended that this space constitute a reference element for the school community.

The dynamization of the Interpretive Center promotes and enhances complementarity with other local projects and dynamics, targeting different audiences of the local community.

This project can be transferred to other territories, through the actions of LAGs in the implementation of their Local Development Strategies, adapting its structuring/implementation to specific situations/opportunities. The promotion of local heritage, based on the valorization and refunctionalization of structures, placed at the service of the community and the local economy, are basic factors of the LEADER intervention that are present in this project and that can be disseminated to many other territories.

Networking for the collection and aggregation of various local heritage elements, the promotion of animation initiatives for the development and promotion of rural territories, innovation by developing dynamics using technology, the dissemination and preservation of the territory’s identity elements and the encouragement of initiatives that promote the involvement of new social actors in local development, namely, younger generations, are present in this project.

Pictures

https://www.cm-montemorvelho.pt/index.php/municipio/comunicacao/item/7540-centro-interpretativo-de-montemor-o-velho-inaugurado-sob-o-signo-da-inovacao

Local authority

LAG AD ELO

Associação de Desenvolvimento Local da Bairrada e Mondego (Bairrada and Mondego Local Development Association)

Portugal

France

Introduction

Agri-échange

A collaborative platform for the exchange of services and equipment between farmers with no cash outflow

A local exchange system serving farmers:

– Farmers find a colleague who can meet their needs

– The service is invoiced but paid for in exchange for another service

– The service is provided to any farmer in the network (internal currency)

Presentation of the project

Topics to be discussed include

– location: Pays de Langres area

– context (need for action/issues):

Agri-échange wants to provide solutions to the following problems encountered by farmers: drastic rise in the cost of equipment and raw materials, lack of manpower, excessively high production costs, isolated farmers.

– Objectives:

– The aim is not just to set up a network, but to test, evaluate and capitalise on all the stages involved, so that the project can then be rolled out to other regions with a successful and sustainable economic and governance model.

– Testing the involvement of farmers

– Test the connections between farmers

– Testing and demonstrating the functionality of the online platform

– Continuously assess the impact of transactions in terms of time saved, economic, social and environmental benefits.

– Communicate

– actual or expected achievements (file submitted on 05/02/2018):

Agri-Echange has been able to develop the first platform for farmers to exchange work, equipment, labour and raw materials with no cash outflow. www.agriechange.org The mutual aid bank concept has been tested, evaluated and validated during the first 5 years of its launch.

To date, the results are as follows:

– 250 subscribing farmers

– 1500+ farmers registered free of charge

– Development of “Agri-Leaders”:

o Champagne Bourgogne Franche-Comté

o Saône-et-Loire, Allier, Nièvre

o Loiret, Seine et Marne

o Indre, Cher

– Development prospects in other regions: Rhône-Alpes, PACA, Languedoc Roussillon, etc.

Major impacts:

– Increased income thanks to lower costs

o Example of a farmer who increased his income by €500/month by integrating mutual aid into his farm management.

– Weather resilience: access to the right tool at the right time to boost production

– Avoiding the need to buy equipment for Young Farmers

– Ease the mental burden: a solution in the event of a breakdown

– Access to modern equipment for agro-ecological practices, risk-free testing of new crops

– Fodder crops introduced into rotations, local supplies for livestock farmers

– Better time management, delegating what you don’t like to do, or what you don’t have time to do

– Saving time on the road and fuel in the case of remote plots

– LEADER’s role in the project (funding, support, networking, etc.) LEADER has made it possible to fund the test phase, “proof of concept”, to change scale, for an innovation in use rather than technology. Once a balance has been achieved on the national market, Agri-Echange will set up exchanges between cross-border farmers at European level, and may again apply for specific European funding in this area.

The emblematic character of the project

In action sheet 2 of the LEADER strategy, “Encourage the emergence of new forms of economic activity”, one of the areas focuses on experimenting with new ways of doing business.The Pays de Langres LAG is keen to encourage experimentation, while allowing room for error.

In selecting this project, the aim is to contribute to meeting the environmental challenges facing an area that wishes to be part of a transition process with the LEADER 2023-2027 strategy:

– How could the project be transferred to other LAGs?

Agri-échange would like to test this pooling of resources in other areas and would be willing to raise awareness and implement the scheme in other LAGs.

Pictures

AGRI-ECHANGE

GAL du Pays de Langres

Région Grand Est

Portugal

Introduction

Located in Santo Amaro, the smallest parish on Pico Island, with the help of LEADER project and ADELIAÇOR LAG, an old grocery store was converted into a contemporary and welcoming grocery store with cafeteria service, where in addition to selling various local food products (and others), there is an offer of light meals and home deliveries.

Presentation of the project

The project located in the parish of Santo Amaro, Pico island, Azores, Portugal consisted of carrying out total remodelling works on the existing building to adapt the space, acquiring equipment and utensils for the creation of the grocery store and cafeteria space and the acquisition of a vehicle for home delivery service.

In addition to the sale of conventional products, the promoter invested in the sale of organic and gourmet products and the cafeteria section presents a diversified offer of prepared products for immediate consumption, valuing the use of seasonal and healthy local/regional food products, namely vegetables and fruits.

With the support of LEADER, it was possible to support this project, which is of great importance and relevance at a local level, considering the lack of a point of sale for basic products in the parish of Santo Amaro and throughout the island of Pico of a point of sale of diverse products, namely organic and gourmet, and provision of light meals (breakfast, brunch, lunch).

The space is also adapted to carry out awareness-raising actions that allow reflection and information to consumers about the importance and usefulness of consuming organic products for health and well-being. In terms of promoting and marketing the business, also combining a playful and educational aspect, the promoter organizes events in partnership with local entities related to the themes of agriculture and circular economy, food and gastronomy, health and nutrition, environment and sustainability.

Emblematic character of the project

The project supported under the intervention 6.4.1 – Investment in the Creation and Development of Non-Agricultural Activities, in the LEADER measure of the Azores Rural Development Programme is a business initiative that promotes traditional and innovative know-how.

It is an investment that contributes to the implementation of LAG ADELIAÇOR’s strategy in the area as its creation allowed to offer new services/new practices, through home sales and new products, with the sale of regional gourmet products, contributing to the promotion of competitiveness and diversification of supply.

The project is also justified by its articulation with the primary sector as it uses and sells organic horticultural products.

The project is also associated with local distinctive/traditional factors, both because it allowed the restoration of the building of an old grocery store and because it offers a service selling regional gourmet products.

Also noteworthy is the preservation and dissemination of local culture through the meal service, making use of seasonal local and regional products.

The recovery of built heritage and its refunctionalization associated with the promotion and valorisation of local products, generating wealth in rural areas takes on a demonstrative and transferable role with an innovative character covered by the LEADER/CLLD philosophy.

Pictures

Claudia Ávila de Matos  

LAG ADELIAÇOR 

Associação para o Desenvolvimento Local de Ilhas dos Açores  

Santo Amaro, Pico Island, Azores, Portugal