LAG in the field – from local initiative to systemic solution

The central question of the consultation was what the state must preserve and what must change to make rural development even more efficient and successful after 2027 .

Director RRA Koroška Uroš Rozman highlighted the importance of rural development and the added value of local action groups, while LAG Kozjak–Pohorje, LAG Mežiška doline and LAG Mislinjska and Drava doline 2027 presented their experiences and challenges. Primož Kroflič, president of the Association for the Development of Slovenian Rural Areas , also spoke about the future of the LEADER/CLLD approach.

An important part of the event was a round table, led by Julija Marošek , with representatives of local action groups, development institutions and the state participating: Mojca Erjavec, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Primož Kroflič , President of the Association for the Development of Slovenian Rural Areas, Uroš Rozman, Director of the Regional Development Agency for Koroško, the lead partner of the LAG Kozjak-Pohorje, Bojan Borovnik , President of the LAG Mislinjska and Drava Valley 2027 and Mayor of the Municipality of Mislinja, Viktorija Barbič , Director of ALP Peca doo, the lead partner of the LAG Mežiška Valley, and on behalf of the LAG Kozjak–Pohorje we presented the view of the President of the LAG Lucija Tomšič .

The discussion showed that a stable LEADER/CLLD system, more trust in local partnerships, fewer administrative burdens, sufficient funds for quality initiatives, and the inclusion of the field in the design of future solutions are key to successful rural development in the future.

The consultation was primarily an opportunity for direct dialogue between the field and the state, and for the transfer of concrete experiences and proposals from the local environment.

Rural development begins with people who know their space, its needs, and its opportunities.