The Horizon 2020 project COCOREADO has a strong focus on rural areas. With the primary aim to rebalance the position of the farmer in the food supply chain, the project wants to foster the economic development and entrepreneurial innovation in rural areas, specifically by creating opportunities for young people.
The vocation of the project towards rural areas is self-evident. The project consortium has three organisations focusing on youth and rural areas (the European Council of Young Farmers, MIJARC Europe and Rural Youth Europe). Moreover, COCOREADO is considering recruiting and training 40 local ambassadors, who will play a key role in generating social innovations in rural areas.
The objectives of COCOREADO in relation to rural areas are aligned with the recent European Commission Communication “A long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas – Towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040”, published on June 30. This publication follows a public consultation involving stakeholders, which results show that the role and importance of rural areas is underrated and insufficiently rewarded.
In this context, the Communication has set out a long-term vision for EU’s rural areas up to 2040, identifying areas of action towards building stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas and communities. A Rural Pact, expected to be launched by the end of 2021, will mobilise public authorities at the EU, national, regional and local level as well as stakeholders to act to meet the needs of rural inhabitants. Additionally, the EU Rural Action Plan offers support to tangible flagship projects to create new opportunities, attract innovative businesses and boost local economies, including through a diversification of activities.
Among the proposed initiatives, the Communication wants to promote a rural proofing agenda at all governance levels. To further inform policymaking on rural areas and assess the anticipated impact of major EU legislative initiatives the EU’s executive considers establishing a Rural Observatory and publishing a toolkit on EU funding opportunities for rural areas.
COCOREADO partners will follow closely the above-mentioned policy developments with the common interest of revitalising rural areas and address the challenges faced by rural actors.
More information on the European Commission communication is available here.
Alice Minichini – CEJA