Nick Phillips: Programme Manager LEADER Programme AVMK Nick Phillips: Programme Manager

Background Why the LEADER Programme is different …… Objective of LEADER is as a European Co-operation project and …… designed to help rural actors consider the long-term potential of their local region encouraging the implementation of integrated, high-quality and original strategies for sustainable development, it has a strong focus on partnership and networks of exchange of experience. Bottom up: Agenda and decisions are set by the Local Development Strategy and the Local Action Group

Governance EU Defra LAG Accountable Body role Bank Roll/Support/Risk

Process for Executive Complex process to set up Administration to “legal standards” Comply with EU regs/ Defra regs/Due dillegence Data gathering Auditing

Process for applicant Complex process to explain Exclusion to grant Business sustainability/ Comply with EU regs/ Defra regs/Due diligence Data gathering Auditing

Example: Winslow Farmers Market Initial concept discussion: Expression of Interest Business plan Cash flow Bank roll Planning Application Review and appraisal LAG 3/3/2009 – 30/11/2010 (20 months in process)

Winslow Farmers Market John Knight one the volunteers who helps run the market explained what makes the market so special. ‘I think it can be summed up with three ‘P’s’ – the Place, the People and the Produce. In terms of the Place, Winslow Market Square comes into its own when the market is on, it’s a great destination to potter, listen to the live music or have a chat. We have real small scale producers and farmers, ranging from locally milled flour for the artisan breads, heritage varieties of apple juice and rare breed meats. Most months will see around 25 stalls.’ Many of those started diversification on the back of the opportunity The town has been transformed and the market is supported by most retailers.

Winslow Farmers Market Top restaurateur Raymond Blanc: “It is wonderful to hear of small communities such as Winslow bringing together local producers and customers in a Farmers’ Market.” Total grant in region £30,000 The EU maintain a contract with the applicant for 5 years.

The Challenges in Delivering Slow start Our understanding Message complicated Process and reputation Targeting key markets Defra targets forcing spend Budget cut needed support with risk to accountable body Ngage

The Perception …………

The Reality ………… 25 businesses directly supported Village retail and catering indirectly supported Tourist destination “we generally will go out of our way to visit the Winslow market … “ Jenny Eaton Bray